Romans 7 has always been one of my favorite scripture passages. Paul’s honesty about his struggles, “I do the things I don’t want to do but the things I want to do those I don’t do”, sounds somewhat like a Dr. Suess book but it is encouraging and hopeful. We all know the struggle of discipline, trying to do what we should and avoid all that we should avoid.
Today I am reflecting on my role as pastor and all the things that I do in this role, especially those in which I have little training, giftedness or motivation verses the things I do that I feel most qualified for. I am sure that your job is the same way. Here is a list of the different responsibilities and roles that I have in my job.
Shepherd
Leader
Discipler
Counselor
Copier Technician
Website Designer
CFO
Encourager
Trainer
Teacher
Preacher
Prophet
Visionary
Vision Caster
Board Leader
Writer
Roadie
Video Technician
Prayer
Listener
Entrepreneur
Boss
Servant
Janitor
Healer
Whatever else will manifest itself the rest of the week…..
The hard part for me is to know which roles I should concentrate on and try not to let personal preferences replace the needs of our church. I have days when I just want to be a reader, writer, and prayer but the needs of my people mean I am instead a counselor, encourager, healer and janitor. I am learning how to find contentment with that and to place the needs of a situation above my own desires.
The funny thing is, however, that often the role I am needed to fill is one I feel absolutely unqualified for. I feel like I must sound like Moses sometime complaining to God that he can’t use a stutterer to speak his truth. That is the amazing thing about God isn’t it? He chooses to use our weaknesses as a reminder that he can all and that even when we are using our strengths it is only through him we can accomplish anything.
So I will choose to celebrate my life and how God continually calls me to use my weaknesses for his glory. Whatever my expectations were in becoming a pastor it seems that the joke is on me. God has a role for me to fill that I am completey unqualified for. Thanks be to God!
February 11, 2009 at 9:45 am
Reminds of something else Paul says, “Be all things to all people.”
I don’t know if you used this link in your blog or not, but it’s somewhat related. http://www.blogthings.com/whatofficesupplyareyouquiz/
February 11, 2009 at 9:50 am
Thanks Shay, here are my results. I would be surprised if we didn’t come up with the same results.
What Office Supply Are You?
You Are a Whiteboard
You are a dreamer, a visionary, and a straight up idea person. You are very creative. Even if the things you think up are a bit wacky, they often are brilliant.
You are an adept problem solver. You are always tossing around dozens of ideas.
You would make a good artist, designer, or architect. You do best when work feels like play.
February 11, 2009 at 9:51 am
Thanks for the thought this morning. It brought to mind one of my favorite passages.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:12
February 11, 2009 at 10:23 am
Well far be it for me to deny you joy Dave.
So let me insult you right now.
You are too tall to comfortably sit in most airplane seats.
That was the best I could come up with right now. I will think of more for later.
February 11, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Just thought you would like to know that I am a Coffee Mug?
Actually very accurate.
You Are a Coffee Mug
You have loads of energy and stamina. You can zip through the most boring of tasks with complete enthusiasm.
You are also great at motivating a group. You are a fearless leader.
You are efficient and productive. You don’t put off tasks or procrastinate. You actually enjoy working.
You would make a good small business owner or startup employee. If a job requires blood, sweat, and tears – then you have some to give.
February 11, 2009 at 1:52 pm
Yes mom, indeed you are a coffee cup, that is a great description of the gifts you bring to your job.
February 11, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Hey,
I am a coffee mug too. Wonder what it says on it? Today I got one at the coffee shop that said, “Worlds Greatest Grandma”. I asked the owner if I should be offended.
How about adding to your list…Priest…no pressure with that one.
February 12, 2009 at 8:32 am
No doubt priest needs to be on that list and so to does funeral director and wedding planner. It is a beautiful life.
February 13, 2009 at 1:13 pm
no fair. I’m a red pen. It just figures. I wish I were a coffee mug….
February 13, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Patti,
That is hysterical! You are more than a red pen, you are also a stapler and some scotch tape.