KneEmail - a devotional by Mike Benson associated with Forthright Magazine
Pride 2
EVERY PROFESSION, NO matter what it is, has its distinct nuances that can only be understood by those in that profession...
For instance, I could not begin to comprehend the daily trails of an accountant, a doctor, or a farmer. But put two accountants in a room, two doctors, or two farmers and they could talk and understand each other even though they had never before met. Preaching is no different. There are daily and weekly challenges to preaching that many may not understand, but put two preachers in a room together, and it won't take long for them to find "common ground."
This past month, I sat talked with a fellow preacher who expressed several concerns and challenges that he was facing. To say that I could relate is an understatement. This article shares with you a small peek into some of the challenges to the job of preaching.
THE CHALLENGE OF PRIDE. Sometimes a preacher will work extra hard on a lesson, polish it smooth, and present it with eloquence, without so much as a single comment of thanks. I know of one preacher who is greeted at the door by someone who instead of saying, "nice sermon," says, "nice try." Then at other times, a preacher will present a lesson with which he doesn't feel comfortable. He feels like it was a total flop and just wants to finish and escape. Frequently, following these sermons, he will stand at the door only to have people "gush" over that sermon. I have two theories about that. #1 - Either the congregation knows it was bad and they are trying to encourage the preacher, or #2 - God is trying to remind the preacher that it's not about him, but the power of the Word.
Next time you hear a sermon that is less than satisfying to you, it might help you to understand some of these challenges your preacher faces. And I can promise you this - if you'll be patient with your preacher for his occasional less than satisfying sermon, he'll likely be patient with you for your occasional less than satisfying response. (Steve Higginbotham)
KneEmail: "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12).