Whose Battle Is It?
A few summers ago we hosted a BBQ at our home. I was enjoying the beautiful sunny day watching families visit and children play. Then I overheard a young girl ask her mother to take her inside our house. She said, “I want to see what a pastor’s house looks like”. Yes that sounds comical but I don’t think its’ just children that think we are a different species. Her mother laughed quietly but quickly found a reason that they needed to come into our home. You know I truly believe she was just as curious as her child. When they entered the kitchen door I watched her scan the room carefully and then made her way to the washroom scoping out each room on her way.
Ministry families are often held to different standard and expected to be perfect in every situation. When we fail to meet those expectations the stories start spreading. It’s much like the old telephone game. When the story travels though just a handful of people it has morphed into something completely different than the first time it was repeated.
Then there are those who make assumptions about you based on an observation. Rather than coming to you for clarification they decide to speak to others. The rumors begin to spread
It’s happened to all of us. We try our best to serve those in the church God has called us. It wounds us deeply when those same people are spreading half-truths or bold face lies about us or worse yet our husbands or children. Our mother hen defenses rise up. Let me tell you from my own experience that usually doesn’t end well. Do not retaliate.
Pray daily for yourself and your family. Pray for wisdom (James 3:17) and discernment (Philippians 1:9-10) and don’t forget to rejoice! (Philippians 4:4-7) Quite possibly the most important thing is to forgive. “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
We can surely trust God to take care of every situation that arises. He has promised us that and “God keeps every promise he makes. He is like a shield for all who seek his protection.” Proverbs 30:5
So have your say. How do you deal with the battles we experience in ministry? I would love to read your comments in the forum or here. Remember when you click on the forum if you are not signed in you will need to do so in order to post a comment.
Donna Hutchman Editor/Membership Coordinator Donna grew up and lived in the Willamette Valley of Oregon until 2004. Then the Lord called her to serve alongside her husband who pastors a very small church in Salmo British Columbia where she coordinates the Women’s Ministry program. She also keeps very busy volunteering in several community organizations. One of the biggest joys of her life are her daughters, son, and grandchildren.