MORE THAT A SINNER

It is easy during very difficult and dramatic times when we feel some special moving inside to think we are more than merely sinners. That feeling of awe and stirred inside with the knowing we are part of God's plan in a unique way can be so overwhelming.

Which can be a very uplifting experience if you see it not in terms of one's worth, but one's obedience. We are tested in that regard. Will we take the gifts of God and use them faithfully or we will allow ourselves to fall victim to the dangers of pride.

That is when a person can be challenged the most. We may be God's instrument of choosing in a given situation, but it doesn't mean we are somehow the focus of attention.

When we lose sight of the fact that our labors ought to point to our Lord and not shine on us, we can get so blinded by our own needs and desires. That is when a blessing turns ugly.

It is the time when we can be so vulnerable to appreciating that we truly are a tool of God's work rather than a whole more. Hopefully, we don't let that calling corrupt, but at times it does happen.

I was speaking to a friend the other day. This is a very nice person who can be very trusting and caring.

We were discussing this person who worked as a pastor. Unfortunately, for my friend, this person used the office of pastor to be a con man. His actions were selfish, abusive and naturally very manipulative.

My friend was totally confused over how a pastor could act that way. The truth, as I pointed out to this person was that this individual was in reality not a pastor.

Oh by title perhaps. Love doesn't come to mind as the desire obvious in this person's heart. At least from what appears to be this individual's priorities.

What is so tragic is that people who abuse such sacred charges never seem to appreciate the harm they cause. Or if they do, they don't care.

God will not always punish such people in this life for such behavior. There are times when he allows them to continue such a path for the sake of accountability.

It just makes the judgment in due season all the more complete. So even though it can be difficult to appreciate why such people seem to prosper in the process, the reality is that is just temporary. They are merely being allowed to prove the evil in their heart.

Meanwhile for those who do learn to treat God's calling as something to treat with faith and not to be violated, there are times when God will challenge one's faith. It might look like a valley of punishment to people who don't understand. But God does.