I, too, feel strongly about the "labeling" issue. It breaks my heart to see so many people caught up in status and popularity. Not only is it becoming more evident in the world, with "Reality shows," but even amongst Christians. It's the "I've gotta be somebody" syndrome. I constantly find myself in this same struggle. I grew up a pastor's kid. My childhood life was all about looking good, showing people that we are a family who has everything together, and putting on a fascade. When I got old enough to work, I was bound and determined to be the center of attention, somehow. I wanted to start a band, be a promoter, own a well-established promoting company, and so on. Several years ago, the Lord got ahold me and I have since ceased to try and establish a "label" for myself.Today, I still struggle, though, not just with my own past, but the fact that in order for me to shepherd people within a church (trying not put a label on the desire God has placed within me), I have to make a label for myself. I have to have a degree or in some cases a doctorate. Why can't shepherding be based upon one's relationship with the Lord and the calling that has been placed upon that person's life?It befuddles me that "the church" is strongly against it's congregation to seek worldy things, and yet the church itself does not pay attention to it's own God-given wisdom.I still have much to learn, but it is these such things that boggle my mind.Ben
Ben, For me I have learned that I must walk as the Lord would have me, humble and submissive to all His commands. By doing, He will build His kingdom on/around what He has made me to be. That has ment that I can't working within the post modern church any longer as they refuse to submit to all His commands. So My wife and I are staying true to our convictions as people gifted to govern His people and it's been AMAZING how he has brough people into our lives that we now minister to. We are tentmakers like Paul and Barnabas but at the same time helping to raise up or equip His saints for the work of the ministry and at the same time being true to our convictions. I hope this testimony will as some level bring hope to your situation. One thing I know for sure, He is worthy to finsh all that He's started, amen? All for souls, wta
_________________William Thomas Anderson
There are two precious testimonies here that I feel should be bumped up. wta said:
So My wife and I are staying true to our convictions as people gifted to govern His people and it's been AMAZING how he has brought people into our lives that we now ministry to.
I constantly find myself in this same struggle. I grew up a pastor's kid. My childhood life was all about looking good, showing people that we are a family who has everything together, and putting on a fascade. When I got old enough to work, I was bound and determined to be the center of attemntion, somehow. I wanted to start a band, be a promoter, own a well-established promoting company, and so on.
Several years ago, the Lord got ahold me and I have since ceased to try and establish a "label" for myself.Today, I still struggle, though, not just with my own past, but the fact that in order for me to shepherd people within a church (trying not put a label on the desire God has placed within me), I have to make a label for myself. I have to have a degree or in some cases a doctorate.
Why can't shepherding be based upon one's relationship with the Lord and the calling that has been placed upon that person's life?It befuddles me that "the church" is strongly against it's congregation to seek worldy things, and yet the church itself does not pay attention to it's own God-given wisdom.
I still have much to learn, but it is these such things that boggle my mind.
_________________Diane
Thank you WTA and Diane for your input and precious words of wisdom. :-D