Wow, it has been way to long since I last blogged! Time to start blogging again. Today I want to talk about keeping a right perspective. It is so easy to see things from a perspective that does not honor God. I was recently at Annual Conference, which is our Northwest Ministry Network’s big conference of the year. I enjoyed the conference immensely. However, I found myself having thoughts of jealousy throughout the event. I would hear about how great one Church was doing, how amazing their facilities are, how they have the best youth pastor in the state, and I couldn’t help but think… “my Church is amazing too!” As childish as that sounded, I would be dishonest if I didn’t acknowledge that at least a part of me felt that way. Jealousy is an emotion that everyone deals with but few will admit. So, how do I deal with a heart of jealousy?
5 Ways:
- Be honest about strengths and weaknesses
- Know yourself. Be OK with who you are and who you are not
- Avoid comparisons
- Celebrate others victories
- Love people – don’t need them.
Finally, my Pastor (Cal Carpenter) reminded me that as Pastors we were never called to be successful, we are called to be Pastors. The Pastor’s heart is for the people to Encounter God, Engage in healthy relationships, and that every person would be empowered for a life of significance.
Jealousy only lives if our perspective is mi-optic. As Jesus said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” The right perspective is to serve others and put our own selfish, irritating, and petty desires behind. I believe this is a much better perspective!