As I was studying John 10 today a rush of memories from my Sunset days came rushing in! Looking back, I realize I didn’t take school as serious as I should have and I wasn’t a good preacher AT ALL! I remember spending little to no time on some of the lessons, because in my youthful arrogance I thought “I can do this with little to no prep!” As I sit through some of the other sermons, I was impressed. They knew God’s word well and mostly I was impressed by their ability to preach.
Let me rewind to a number of years before that. In high school I was impressed by some older guys (a couple of grades older than me) and their commitment to God. They were atheletic, handsome, confident and seemed to have everything going for them. I was so impressed that I followed in some of their foot steps. Three of those young men went to AIM. They seemed to do great, went on to their prospective fields and faded back into “normal life”. Two of them started out in ministry. One is a missionary to this day.
I have another friend. He was my age. Amazing ability to preach God’s word. He was just one of those really rare guys that could literally hold your attention for more than an HOUR! He had some challenges hit him in life (I’m well aware of and believe in the statement, “But for the grace of God…”) and now he wakes up alone. His wife and kids in another house. No time for church, busy with work stuff. Despite being a 5 talent man, he buried them and now all has been taken from him.
Another friend was a preacher prodigy! He looked pretty funny, but even the teachers in the preaching school couldn’t believe his gift to preach God’s word. This you man had an affair and now is married to that woman. He happens to “church” every now and again, but allowed his sin and choices to destroy his relationship with God.
My point in all this is that sometimes the guy that seems like he’s perfect, still has sin and even when we think we have “arrived” we need to think again. God is teaching me a lot about grace and patience with others! In my youth and arrogance I would often condemn people that didn’t act like me or think like me. Now I realize I’m so thankful they didn’t because my thoughts and actions weren’t always very Christ-like.
I want to strive for better always, but being the “best preacher ever” isn’t my ultimate goal. My greatest goal is to love my Lord, my wife, my children and shine a light to those God has put in my path! Excel in whatever you do, but seek “the most excellent way” and that’s LOVE!
