If I Were a Regular Guy
I have been enjoying a little time off this Labor Day weekend. This morning Suzanne, Rebecca and I drove over to Columbia to worship with Suzanne's parents at their church, Fairview United Methodist. It was a fine service, quite a bit different than our approach, but still a good worship experience.
Perhaps only those who have served as a pastor for many years can fully appreciate how wonderful it feels just to go to church without the weight of responsibility. Don't get me wrong. I love my work, and I wouldn't trade my ministry calling for anything in the world. But sometimes it is so refreshing to lay it down for a day or two and find an anonymous place in the pew. Well, almost anonymous. My mother-in-law graciously introduced her visiting family to the congregation and myself as "our son-in-law, Dr. Drew Hill", but she didn't mention anything about me being a pastor. Maybe the folks thought I was a professor or a surgeon or a psychiatrist or a proctologist, but probably not a pastor.
Well, anyway, my Sunday off got me thinking a little bit. What if I were a regular guy? You know what I mean? What if I were a normal person? Not a professional minister, not a full-time pastor, not a paid holy man, but just an ordinary believer, an average Joe, a regular guy? It raises some interesting questions for me to ponder.
If I were a regular guy, would I still be showing up at church almost every Sunday?
If I were a regular guy, would I still consider pot luck to be gourmet dining?
If I were a regular guy, would I still keep a snazzy black suit just for marrying and burying?
If I were a regular guy, would I still pick up my Bible even when I don't need to get a sermon?
If I were a regular guy, would I still be involved in several mission projects each year?
If I were a regular guy, would I still pray for my friends in crisis even without being asked?
If I were a regular guy, would I still pay attention to people and listen to their problems?
If I were a regular guy, would I still try to encourage those who may be struggling with their faith?
And, if I were a regular guy, would I still know that I am a child of God, just as much a part of God's family, and just as important to God's plans and purposes?
You see, I really am just a regular guy, nothing extraordinary about me, pastor or not. Just one ordinary follower of Jesus, trying to live a little bit of His life in mine. You too?
Perhaps only those who have served as a pastor for many years can fully appreciate how wonderful it feels just to go to church without the weight of responsibility. Don't get me wrong. I love my work, and I wouldn't trade my ministry calling for anything in the world. But sometimes it is so refreshing to lay it down for a day or two and find an anonymous place in the pew. Well, almost anonymous. My mother-in-law graciously introduced her visiting family to the congregation and myself as "our son-in-law, Dr. Drew Hill", but she didn't mention anything about me being a pastor. Maybe the folks thought I was a professor or a surgeon or a psychiatrist or a proctologist, but probably not a pastor.
Well, anyway, my Sunday off got me thinking a little bit. What if I were a regular guy? You know what I mean? What if I were a normal person? Not a professional minister, not a full-time pastor, not a paid holy man, but just an ordinary believer, an average Joe, a regular guy? It raises some interesting questions for me to ponder.
If I were a regular guy, would I still be showing up at church almost every Sunday?
If I were a regular guy, would I still consider pot luck to be gourmet dining?
If I were a regular guy, would I still keep a snazzy black suit just for marrying and burying?
If I were a regular guy, would I still pick up my Bible even when I don't need to get a sermon?
If I were a regular guy, would I still be involved in several mission projects each year?
If I were a regular guy, would I still pray for my friends in crisis even without being asked?
If I were a regular guy, would I still pay attention to people and listen to their problems?
If I were a regular guy, would I still try to encourage those who may be struggling with their faith?
And, if I were a regular guy, would I still know that I am a child of God, just as much a part of God's family, and just as important to God's plans and purposes?
You see, I really am just a regular guy, nothing extraordinary about me, pastor or not. Just one ordinary follower of Jesus, trying to live a little bit of His life in mine. You too?
Comments
Sometimes I think I learned more from working as a cook, a painter, and a warehouseman than I did in seminary.
We've got it good too, however. Mostly I like the life ...
Keith