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Pet doctrines and pet issues are like pet rocks. They make a big splash in the moment and are
forgotten by next year.
Last generation, it may have been the theater, worship music and Sunday school. This year, it seems
to be human trafficking, Calvinism and homosexuality.
Who can begin to speculate what the hot topics will be in generations to come?
The pastor who remains faithful to his call to pray, study the Scripture and equip the church for the
work of the ministry will have to deal with most doctrines and issues in time. And he should.
But Im encouraged by the one who continues to learn and grow, personally, without constantly
vacillating and jumping from one hobby-horse to the next.
These Pharisees are often too spiritual for any pastor and spend their lives jumping from one church
to the next, never satisfied, and always having a story or two to tell.
Ive received my fair share, and Im sorry for every pastor who faces such ill-aligned scrutiny. But its
not an excuse to protect ones reputation at the expense of his personal walk with God.
Im encouraged by the pastor who is more concerned with the latter than the former.
But the denomination I was part of at the time taught me my identity was wrapped up in the opinion
of the brethren. I needed my family to tow the line so I could be successful in the ministry I was
called by God to accomplish.
I dont blame the movement entirely, but it certainly cultivated this ethos. And it resulted in lots of
anger, frustration and abuse. I nearly drove my family into the grave.
Thankfully, the Lord granted me repentance and I learned my identity was in Christ, not my
performance. Im deeply encouraged by the pastor who knows his identity is in Christ and he is free
to minister to his family instead of drive themsometimes away from God.