1Thessalonians 1:5-7 For we never used
either words of flattery, as you know, or a cloak for greed, as God is witness;
nor did we seek glory from men, whether from you or from others, though we
might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you,
like a nurse taking care of her children.
I wonder how many televangelist read
this verse. It often feels like they use words to impress and words to cloak
their greed. As a preacher it seems funny to say that I never cared to be
noticed. I did often receive affirmation of my preaching, but I knew where the
wisdom came from and was almost embarrassed that people praised me. I have
known others who are filled with pride over the creation of their message, and
I’m not sure what God thinks of that. I had some of my papers that were placed
in the seminary library as examples of how to do the assignments and I was
proud. I knew I was the author and the work was from my intellect and
accomplishment. However I did not see them as godly even as they dealt with
biblical material. It gets very confusing when you are paid to be a priest and
you preach on Sundays while seeking very hard to avoid the traps found in this
passage. I definitely want to be gentle among you, not demanding or boastful or
greedy. They call us father some times in our church and perhaps then I am
charged with care of God’s children like a nurse or caregiver. Wow how the word
can make you think and find yourself in the struggle for the right path. I pray
we walk gently with God listening for His voice and following His direction as
we care for those He has placed around us.
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