Fight or Flight?

God created us with an interesting trait that's built in to who we are. He gave us adrenaline and programmed us with instinct so that in any given situation if our body senses trouble, it naturally reacts in a certain way. The instincts come alive when the adrenaline starts pumping and we're being prepared for 1 of 2 things. Either we will stay and fight or we will flee to get away. It's a part of our survival. This happens to us when we're in the woods and we see a bear, when we're in a dark alley and we see a shadow, or when we're in the early stages of an argument. It's the last one I want to hit on for a minute. Because there is a 3rd choice that humans have when the adrenaline starts pumping and we know we're in for a fight. We can take the opportunity presented to us as a chance to love the other person the way that Jesus loved them. "Wait a second, that's not in my nature?" Exactly. It's not in your nature. When we're cornered we want to fight or to slip off and escape. Rarely will we desire to stay and love our criticizer. But for the Christian fight or flight can't be our only 2 options. Too much to say and not enough time. Stop back in later.

Deal w/Don't Avoid

I read a very interesting quote today that got my mind racing in regards to personal criticism. It said, "To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing." Isn't that the only way to avoid being criticized? Pastors are especially susceptible to criticism because of their visibility and responsibility. It will always be a heavy burden being a pastor by the very nature of the calling. But if you're called by God, you cannot avoid criticism. The truth is, you shouldn't even try. That sounds surprising, but there's a liberating thought that always comforts me; "You can't please everyone all the time." A real pastor isn't even in the business of pleasing. A real pastor is in the shepherding business. We get to experience with our people all the joys and happiness, and we rejoice in those times with our people. We pray for those times. We seek them out. But maybe more often we're involved not in the joys and happiness, but in the darkness and heartache of our people. In those times we hurt with our people. We cry with them. We pray for them. We never seek them out, but we do our best to be there when they happen. Unfortunately sometimes we can't. People think criticism of the pastor rolls off his back. That he's somehow immune from the feelings normal people have. It's a lie. It's totally untrue. We hurt as bad as the next person, and take it just as personally. It's just that God calls all Christians, including pastors to deal with criticism in a godly way. If it can't be avoided it can be dealt with like Jesus would deal with it. You know He received His fair share of criticism too. I count it joy to receive anything that my Savior received. SO even though it hurts, pastors and Christians, press on. I preached on the Golden Rule last Sunday. One major point I made is that we treat others in 2 ways. 1) The way our loving God treats us. 2) The way we'd want others to treat us. That should happen regardless of how we feel, and regardless of how others treat us. It's easier said than done, but I've got to eat the same thing I feed others. If you're criticized frequently or even rarely, 1st ask yourself if the criticism is fair. If it is put pride aside and repent. If it's not then deal with the criticizer in a Christ like way. Jesus loved even those who put Him to death. He calls us to do the same. God my prayer now and always is, "Let me treat others with Your love at all times, and so reflect glory on your precious name."