This post is particularly for the person who leads a flock of church members. 1 Corinthians 9.26-27 says:
"I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got. No sloppy living for me! I'm staying alert and in top condition. I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself." (MSG)
The Apostle Paul, writer of Corinthians says that while he's telling everyone else about Christ he doesn't want to get caught napping and missing out himself. I've spend time with pastors who have told me how difficult it is to be in the Word on a personal basis and not keep seeing truths or concepts that they could preach about to their congregations. They really want to get deep with God personally, but they keep seeing the faces of their congregation.
How does a pastor keep his own personal relationship with God healthy, alive, and vibrant? I'm sure there are a ton of 12-step, 7-step, 3-point, and 8-step processes that answer this question. You could also probably find a small library of books on the subject.
But I wonder if the entire "personal devotions" concept has gone a little off course. Don't get me wrong. I believe in the power of closing off the world and getting quiet before a holy God. But maybe we've begun to think that's the sum total of our relationship with God (kind of like the way some people view tithe - as long as they give their 10% to God, the rest is theirs.)
I offer an additional perspective: What if personal alone time with God was only one of many facets that make up our spiritual relationship with God? Why not be praying and listening to what God is saying to us as we serve our people? What can God tell you when you're on a hospital call, preparing for a wedding, putting last minute touches on this Sunday's sermon, making coffee for the staff?
Think of your relationship more in terms of a journey rather than a compartmentalized personal retreat time.
On a more practical basis, consider these ideas:
- Start a personal journal with random thoughts (no effort spent on grammar or punctuation - just free flowing mind dumps.) Review your entries every other month and see if any themes stick out;
- When in personal prayer time, keep a note pad and pen handy. When an idea about a parishioner pops into your head, jot it down and get back to your own personal time.
- Keep a pad of paper & pen with you all the time. When you sense God is talking to you personally as you are going about your daily routine, jot down the thought(s) and review them during your next personal alone time with Him.
Keep your spiritual life alive and vibrant and you'll be serving strong!
P.S. If you're a pastor and you've found a great way to maintain your personal spiritual life, feel free to comment on this post.
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