At a painful and controversial time about who should or shouldn't be pastoring God's people, I had to share something praiseworthy.
God has laid upon my heart a desire for a meek, quiet, other-centered spirit. That's going to require painful change for me! Yesterday I was at Walmart when the cashier asked me how I was. I said, "Great!" Often, sad to say, I don't make a genuine inquiry into how people like this cashier are doing. I'd rather get out of there quickly. In fact, a lot of times, I am listening to my iPod while I check out. Yesterday I asked how this dear lady was. She told me she was tired and had a hard time working every weekend. I can understand that! I told her I was sure glad she was working there yesterday. When she finished with my purchase, she said, "Are you a minister?"
I recently watched Voddie Baucham's Culture Wars DVD in which he chides us for seeking to witness with our lifestyles rather than with the gospel of Jesus Christ. I deserve that rebuke! Yet I wondered at this small interchange where the name of the Lord was never mentioned, yet I was perceived to be a woman of God.
Of course, I am not a pastor, but I do believe I am called to be a minister of His love and grace. So are you! 2 Corinthians 3:6
He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. May the Lord bless you as you minister His Spirit to a hurting world today.
