Living the New Life

I was able to spend a little time with someone recently and I developed the saddest feeling while talking to them.  I saw a person with talent, intelligence, and personality say things that I know can lead them down a destructive road.  Please understand that in no way am I passing judgement.  I know that we can change.  The term that jumped into my head was “Shooting Star”.  The shooting star shines bright for only a short time but it soon burns itself out.  It burns out because it is in pieces or broken.

In my profession there are a lot of shooting stars.  The shine bright for a short time and then fizzle out.  I think that one of the primary reasons for this is that they choose achievement over character.  This is a struggle that every person must answer.  The answer will only be found in the private places of your life.  Character in your life and more importantly in your relationship with Christ is the most important step towards long term success.  Achievement can be had without character but it is always short lived. 

Oh, Shooting Star never let bitterness determine who you are.  Let God heal your brokenness.

We are living in an age of communication.  We have email, podcasts, cell phone, and even more things that help to communicate.  The thing is that while we have different tools for communication, are we really saying anything?

As a Pastor my job is to communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the richness of the Bible.  I also have a responsibility to communicate the Vision that God has placed on my heart to each and every person of the congregation in some shape or form. 

I am afraid that we talk too much without saying anything.  I must deposit things in people’s lives, if I expect to receive any dividends.

One of the things that I love to do is greet and welcome the people.  I am also at the back door as they leave because I want them to have a pastor that is personable.  Jesus made Himself available where others could come up to Him, and possible touch Him.  I want my people to be able to have contact with their pastor.  I do know some guys who would just rather not be bothered.  I have a tendency to think that they will become separated from their people not as a preacher, but as their pastor.  Just some thoughts.