It’s been a long time since I began my pastoral ministry. A lot has happened since then. I have more creases on my face and less hair on my head. Still, though, I remember my biggest mistake of those days.
Here it is: I lived my life and led my church alone.
I was not yet married, so living alone was natural. That’s not what I mean, though. What I mean is that I tried to walk with Christ without the help of others.
- I battled temptation without telling anyone.
- I made decisions affecting the church without seeking wisdom from anyone.
- I preached the Word without asking anyone to evaluate my sermons.
- I bore the burdens of ministry without sharing them with another believer.
- I struggled with loneliness but turned to no one to help.
- I prayed for others but seldom asked others to pray for me.
- I loved the Lord (or so I said), but did not appreciate His church.
- And, I developed ulcers before I told anyone I was stressed.
I could go on and on, but I trust you get the point. I started ministry operating in my own strength, daily led in my own ability, and almost lost my health on my own. It would be many years, actually, before I began to realize how much I needed others. My failure to recognize the beauty of believers serving together cost me much in those early years.
Today, I trust I’m more aware of this tendency and fight against it – but I’d be lying if I said I never fail. Daily I must remember the necessity and privilege of walking with others on this journey. Every day I must recognize my need for brothers and sisters who stand with me.
How about you?
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This article originally appeared on ChuckLawless.com and is reposted here with permission.