March 29 Being Real 2 Corinthians 12:9
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Recently, I was engaged in a conversation with a few of my fellow pastors and, one was recalling a conversation with one of his deacons that piqued my interest. The young pastor told of his encounter with this older deacon, where the deacon was asking the pastor why he couldn’t be more like their former pastor. According to the young pastor, he inquired about specific situations and examples of how he should be like the former pastor. “Well, he visited a lot and he was always available for everyone, and he never complained about nothin, and he just seemed to be somebody that anyone could talk to…” I was curious how the young pastor would respond and I asked, “What did you say?” He said, “I told him that I do all of those things and more, and what else could I do?” The deacon responded, “Yeah, but you don’t do it like him!” Wow! I have encountered this before, and it made me stop to evaluate my actions and behaviors and, after much prayer and meditation in God’s Word, I understand that I cannot be someone else! I can be the best Me that I can be and that is all that I can be! Expectations of others about your performance and your duties can, and will cause great stress, especially if you are seeking their approval, so I suggest that you be “All that God expects you to be, and continue to grow in His Grace and His Power, and stay focused on what is Nobel, righteous and edifying!” If we are embracing and living the greatest commandment (To Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind and soul; and Love your neighbor as Yourself) then we are on the proper trail for success in our spiritual walk! The only one that I hope to copy is my Savior, Jesus Christ! How about You? Stay Strong, Stay Focused … THE BEST IS YET TO BE!