It’s heart wrenching every single time. Whether it’s
Spiderman, Superman, Batman, or any other superhero, they always hit that wall.
“What if I just stop? What if I put away the suit/leotard/mask/cape and go on
living my life as a journalist or a billionaire? No matter how much I try to
help these mere mortals, they always turn against me!” They sacrifice their
identity, their love life, their sleep, and yet human kind is never satisfied.
They even consider them villains. The people they’re giving everything for are
being ungrateful and they want to quit. They don’t want to be a superhero any
longer.
As one of the pastors of a small church, I’ve found myself
in this dilemma many times. I am confident I am not alone in the ranks of those
who serve by leading people. It’s difficult. It’s time consuming. It’s
mentally, emotionally, and physically draining. It’s heartbreaking. It’s also
not optional.
“If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful
labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between
the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But
to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I
know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in
the faith” (Philippians 1:22-25 ESV)
Ministry is the cold tile
floor on a December Monday morning. My selfishness is the warm blanket of a
Saturday afternoon. I did not choose ministry for the glory. I am bi-vocational
as many others are, so it wasn’t for the riches. It wasn’t an option. I am
called to this. Just like those superheroes: no matter how much they try to get
away from it, they can’t get away from who they are.
This is who I am. God has
called me to serve His people in my local church. I am broken. I am flawed. I
am unworthy. I am called to serve. I’m not a superhero, I’m a servant. I’m not
perfect, but I am full of love. Take a second today and send a message of
encouragement to your pastor. They are most likely thinking of you.
This post originally appeared on www.mybigjesus.com.
(http://www.mybigjesus.com/2016/09/26/is-your-pastor-a-superhero/)
