“Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.”
Hebrews 12:14-16 (NAS)
The meeting with the Bishop was deteriorating fast, and my pastoral career was in the toilet. I had several biblical reasons for disagreeing with him, the least of which involved my family responsibilities. He proceeded to lecture me about how “all of us had seen tough economic times” and I would simply “need to suck it up and be faithful.”
Being a southern boy, raised in the Bible belt, I knew about respect for those over me in the Lord and usually submitted without argument. But on this occasion, my temperament being what it is, such thoughtless inconsiderate statements were like gasoline on smoldering coals.
Struggling to restrain myself, I bluntly explained that unless the Lord provided a job, to help with these tough economic times, I would be moving my family where one could be found and the church would need a new pastor.
Later, in the privacy of my prayer closet, I thoroughly vented my anger and frustration. As the coals grew cold and I yielded it all to the Lord, he asked me to consider this event from the Bishop’s point of view. His oversight responsibilities were overwhelming also. Perhaps he didn’t know what to do either. What would I have done and said in his position?
I began praying for the Bishop. He was my brother and colleague. No matter how responsible my decision might be, it did not justify any bitterness or grudges. As I prayed for him and his responsibilities, I experienced a release of my own burdens. I eventually had to move my family to another city in order to find a job, but I could do it free of malice toward the Bishop and the church. Years later, he came to me and said that he had thought of the event several times and wondered how he could have done things differently.
Sure, maybe more discussion and brainstorming would have produced different decisions, on both sides. The entire event was only a blink on the screen of life. But it was a significant lesson in my life and ministry.
Dear Father, thank you for your mercy and grace. Grant grace to all those who are in positions of leadership and responsibility. Grant wisdom and a compassionate spirit to our government and church leaders. Grant to all of us a submissive and cooperative spirit. Deliver us from roots of bitterness. Empower us with love and compassion for one another. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for his love and follow his example of loving others,