Guilt Gone Wild
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Job descriptions for pastors are generally the second-least realistic descriptions in the world, next to singles' personal ads. Pastors are expected to lead, counsel, preach, teach, administrate, fund-raise, vision-cast, visit the sick, marry the love-struck, and bury the dead. No one could do all these things. Jesus didn't do all these things. You will never be able to do them all. Get over it.
Ignoring your spouse, blowing off the kids, hydroplaning over the state of your soul, being apathetic about hunger and suffering and injustice in the world, failing to love the real-life people God places in your church and world.
Actually, these are all excellent things to feel guilty about. This is what guilt is for—as long as it leads to actual change. Just don't waste your guilt on those things that ultimately don't matter.
John Ortberg is pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California.
Copyright © 2012 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal.
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John Ortberg is pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California.
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rating & comments
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Displaying 1–5 of 7 comments
Sergio Arce
Great article, especially the non-recommended piece of advice to combat not remembering enough names, "Another option is the one used by Jim Carrey in the movie Liar Liar. When he was temporarily unable to deceive, he greeted somebody with, "Hi! You're not important enough for me to remember your name." I wouldn't suggest using that one." - This one made my day. Thanks!
Timothy Wright
Hi, John, I am not guilty. Jesus paid for my sins. I am the righteousness of Christ in God. I am his Son. I am seated in the heavenlies. I am hid in Him. Love Ya. Tim
Gloria
Good article, but you failed to mentioned that pastors or ministry staff lack the leadership skills to assign task. Some take it upon themselves to do all the work because they don't rely on their assistants to help out. They need to train others to carry the burden and stop being a one man show
Wes Harrison
If I didn't know better I'd think this article was written directly for me. How appropriate for me today!! I can't save the world...only Jesus could do that. Lord, give me the clarity to know what you have called me to and to let go of the rest.
MICHAEL H CONSTANTINE
Thanks, John, for pointing out, once again, the kinds of unrealistic expectations from which we need freedom. I live and serve in a multi-racial country. Some names are three syllable Asian names;some are long, difficult, Indian names; and some are very Arabic sounding. Added to that, I serve multiple churches in multiple places. As hard as I try, I simply cannot remember all those names. So far, my best strategy is simply honesty, especially if I cannot pick up any clues from the conversation. Thankfully, the people here are tolerant and merciful, at least most of the time. They just tell me I am getting old! One other thought about guilt. It is worst for me when I compare myself with other people in a negative manner. That's when I need the scriptural remedy found in I Cor 3- Every man will be judged for his own work. Blessings to All!
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