(grammatical corrections accepted), electronically or in print,
free of charge, for ministering purposes, as long as the bylines
are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be
appreciated. To help avoid SPAM, please do not publish my
e-mail address.
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~ If I Were Called ~
If I were called to teach,
I'd give it my best.
If I were called to preach,
I'd better pass the test.
If I were called to reach,
I'd do it with much zest.
If I were called to each,
I'd surely need some rest.
Mt. 11:29b
~*~
We, often, hold high expectations for our spiritual leaders
(as does God) to teach, minister, give guidance and direction, to
be the example, live what they preach, and to be available,
willing, and able to meet our need. We're truly blessed when we
have such a person in our life.
However, were we to multiply our need by the entire
membership of our church, we'd see that our expectation is
somewhere between unrealistic and nearly impossible. Leadership
often finds themselves between a rock and a hard place as, even
for the most devoted of servants, there aren't enough hours in a
day.
What a good thing it would be were we to give something in
return:
1.) to volunteer services to make their load easier.
2.) to not lean on them but upon God.
3.) to only ask for help when we can't find resolve.
4.) and, to try to become more like the expectations we have for
our leaders.
Perhaps, then, we could begin impacting our world for Christ
while allowing our leaders the same privileges we have ... to
have a family and a life.
® by Joyce C. Lock
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About the Author:
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist.
In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries
"Heavenly Inspirations"
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and
"Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ .
Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and
each other.