Hang in There

I recently received a call from a member of a church search committee at a church looking for a preacher. The call lasted around forty-five minutes. To say that this church is being super thorough is an understatement. It was encouraging to learn that they covered all the right doctrinal questions, all the right questions about ministry, preaching style, and family. 

They also included several questions about how the preacher handles criticism, how he handles disagreements in the church, and whether he can keep going when times are tough. The reality of preaching and ministry is that every preacher will receive criticism of his preaching, how he ministers, how he manages his time, sometimes even criticism about his family, as well as other aspects of his work. We will deal with disagreements among leaders, staff members, and church members. We will have difficulties in our work that will cause hardships for our family and for us. 

The question is not whether we will face challenging times; the question is how we will react. Some will be tempted to lash out at those with whom we disagree. Some will be tempted to deal with difficulties from the pulpit. Some will grow stronger because they have tremendous faith. Others will be tempted to throw in the towel. After all, sometimes it may feel easier to quit than to deal with real problems.

As with everything in our life and ministry, Jesus stands at the model for how we should handle it when people mistreat us. Peter said, “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 1:21-24)

Notice, not even Jesus replied to those who put Him to death in a negative way. Further, He did not quit, but He continued His work of bearing “our sins in His body on the cross.” So dear friend, if you are dealing with difficulty today, don’t quit. Hang in there. Keep going. Your work is a blessing to many, and it is valuable to the world and the Kingdom.