Imparting Our Soul
Good Morning,
Too many marriages are selfish, self-centered, or perhaps focused on an agenda. In business, a bus route, a church, or in training our own children, I think the weak link is found in 1 Thessalonians 2:7: “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:”
vs. 8 “So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.”
Notice the key phrases, “as a nurse cherisheth her children,” “being affectionately desirous,” and imparting their own soul – because they were dear to them. That depth of feeling is far beyond simply doing our duty or doing what is required of us. Those kinds of feelings and emotions are what make a difference in a bus route, in a Sunday school class, or even in our own children.
Many children grow up in a home wondering if they are dear to anyone. Many a spouse wonders if their marriage partner is affectionately desirous of them. The Apostle Paul talks about being gentle as a nurse cherishes children – not about doing one’s duty, but imparting his own soul.
When Jesus left Heaven, He did not just come to die, He walked where we walked and lived like a human being. Jesus was tired, hungry, ridiculed, and was, “in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.” Jesus did not just hang on a cross to get you into Heaven. He poured out His very soul. He left Heaven and all it’s glory and majesty for a dirty, foul, putrid earth. He left the glory, riches, and praises of the eternal glory to live among the mortal. He loves you! Christ did not just give us the Gospel, He imparted unto us His own soul.
When I think about our church and the people here, there is nothing I would not give or forfeit for them. I could not imagine doing what I do for a paycheck. That would cheapen the depth of my love. If I were younger and healthier, it would be easy to work a job, pay all my bills, and still be the pastor; for it is not a job it is life. At my age, and my health, I do not think I have the endurance to do both, but I have the love to do both. Being a pastor is not a job; it is not for money; it is being affectionately desirous. Over the last years, more and more, I have grown in affection, fondness, and tender love for those whom I pastor. I see their hurts and it grieves me. I see their broken hearts and long for God to help them.
If you were in leadership of a ministry, or have a marriage or children, I would like to encourage you to ask God to help you embrace the very spirit of the Apostle Paul.
When I consider our founders and read their writings, it is obvious that they loved this country; they loved freedom, and they loved the idea of liberty and opportunity. Those who founded our nation pledged, “…their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.” We have taken two hundred years of progress to come to the point that our politicians love their lies, seek great fortune, and have no honor. They have no deep love for the nation, the dream, or the people. We do not need to criticize our politicians; we need to look at our own house, our own church, our own school, and our own ministries.
Might we rekindle love.
Pastor