Here is a verse that causes many pastors to somewhat tremble.

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17).

Several pastors were in a discussion with each other. “I really need Monday to get myself back up and on my feet again. Typically Sunday is a day that I receive several complaints and even an occasional anonymous note left for me to find that is not very pleasant,” one of the pastors said.

Another added, “I don’t get many complaints. I just end up being disappointed to hear of how many of my dear folks are skipping services to go to their sporting events. It’s just so disappointing.”

After a moment another pastor said, “My brothers. We have lots to pray about. But let’s determine to be the best pastors that we can be. Someday we will give account. It’s good to remind our church families that the reason we seek their wellbeing is because of our accounting to come someday. I’ve shared this with the church family a couple of times lately. Yesterday one of the little boys in our church family handed me a note. You won’t believe what he said to me.”

He shared it with the other pastors, and they smiled along with him. I’ll tell you about the note tomorrow.

For today: We need to ask ourselves if we are living for the Lord Jesus in such a way that our pastor will give account of us with joy or grief. Quite a question, isn’t it?