IF I HAVE A NEIGHBOUR, I AM A PASTOR. 002

Today’s post may starts off seemingly irrelevant for the everyday Christian, however the very fact that it seemed irrelevant to the everyday Christian was the very reason I needed to write it, and the very reason everyone probably needs to read it. The everyday Christian is the person who is not an official Pastor, Bible worker, Evangelist, Missionary or anything of that sort, and is thus referred to as layperson. The church is largely made up of laypersons and so if this group is not mobilized, we have little chance of finishing the work that God has assigned to us as His church. Let’s start with this seemingly irrelevant quote.

"A minister may enjoy sermonizing, for it is the pleasant part of the work and is comparatively easy; but no minister should be measured by his ability as a speaker. The harder part comes after he leaves the desk, in watering the seed sown. The interest awakened should be followed up by personal labor, —visiting, holding Bible readings, teaching how to search the Scriptures, praying with families and interested ones, seeking to deepen the impression made upon hearts and consciences. {5T 255.1}"

I love this. I once received a random call from a church that I had visited. It was simple, yet beautiful in its simplicity; I appreciated it. I think we expect, as we should, this sort of behaviour from our churches and spiritual leaders. How often do we actually see and experience our pastors doing this though? There are so many members and visitors that slip through cracks, why? We need systematic, conscientious and diligent work by these spiritual leaders to give account for all these precious souls.

“I was tempted to condemn the pastors as derelicts, in need of revival”

I have felt ostracized and attacked by the church in many ways before, by people in positions of leadership as well. Though I have healed, I know that I am predisposed to accusing church leaders for being this or not being that. However, I know the pastor is not the problem, and when I read the following quote, I realized that often we condemn in others what we should condemn in ourselves. See quote and I will explain.

“There are many who have no desire to become acquainted with their unbelieving neighbors and those with whom they come in contact, and they do not feel it their duty to overcome this reluctance. The truth they teach, and the love of Jesus should have great power to help them to overcome this feeling. They should remember that they must meet these very men and women in the judgment. Have they left words unsaid that should have been spoken? Have they felt interest enough for souls, to warn, to entreat, to pray for them, to make every effort to win them to Christ?{5T 255.2}"

What about –my neighbour? Mine. Where is my personal desire to systematically tell people about a precious Jesus. If I don't have this desire, why am I comfortable in this reluctance????

No matter who or what I am, a mechanic, student, teacher, lawyer, doctor, or janitor; whether I live on the streets or in a mansion, whether I am super busy or super chill, I have a neighbour. If my business, or busy-ness makes me wholly self absorbed, will Christ be too busy for me? Why do I not buy a journal and write the names of people I come in contact with, and have a systematic plan to (preferably in this order)

1. Simply call to check up on

2. Call to offer prayer or ask if they would like me to pray for them for something

3. Invite them to a Christian meeting of sorts, either lowkey chill or full-on church invite.

Sorry if this post comes across as condescending it is not supposed to. I just feel so strongly because currently I am a nursing student with lofty professional aspirations, and I get so busy, and if I don't hold myself accountable. I will be busy for everyone but God.

Here is a simple, yet revolutionary thought. If I have a neighbour, I am a pastor. Say it, if I have a neighbour, I am a pastor, and God requires that I, even in the humblest of ways, with even one person, start to be a faithful servant in the household of God. The word Pastor just means Shepherd, someone who cares and watches over others.

“Dear God, help me not to use the excuse that I feel far from you, or that I don’t know this much or that much about the Bible to exempt myself from being a pastor to my neighbours, God they need to see you, wow, that’s why you put them in my life.”

God bless you.

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh from Pexels