We are all in this thing together

Being a preacher I often see things that a lot of people aren't privy to. For instance, get in a meeting with a bunch of preachers and you will understand why some churches are full of cliques; it comes from the top down. One group of supposedly “successful preachers” (running 150 or more) won’t have anything to do with the so-called “unsuccessful preachers” (running less than 100). It is sort of like being in high school with the popular kids and the unpopular kids. And there is always that one that is more popular than the rest because he had a sermon published in the Sword or spoke at one of the big conferences, and everyone clamors for his attention. If it wasn't so disgusting it would be humorous. Jealousy and envy has got to be some of the ugliest of all sins. The problem is that it reflects a man’s true heart. You can try to hide it all you want but eventually that green-eyed monster will pop up and reveal itself. Proverbs 14:30 says: “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”

 For the past year I have made it a point to pray for the other churches and pastors around me. I pray that the Lord gives them good attendance in their services, gives them souls for their labor, and power behind the pulpit. I have found that by doing this God has given me peace during the times in my ministry when things aren't going as well as I expect; when the numbers are down and when it seems no one responds to the Gospel call. I think it would do us all good to remember we are in this thing together. It’s not about who has more, who did more, or how popular you are, but it’s about whether or not you stepped out on faith and obeyed the Lord. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” ~2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV