Philippians 1:1-7
PASTORS
Pastors are often the key to revival. Charles Finney was given a vision of the world's need and it sent him to the woods, pouring out his heart before God. Shortly after that, Finney was used of God to kindle revival fires everywhere in the young nation. Perhaps more of us need to get alone with God to seek His blessing. Ministers are often so loaded with responsibilities connected with running the church that their prayer life suffers. It is time to get priorities right. Prayer and the ministry of the Word are the pastor's principal duties, according to the Bible.
The low spiritual temperature of the churches of the land is often blamed on the ministry. Preachers may not be without blame, but pastors are only as strong as the prayer lives of their congregations. No one should criticize the ineffectiveness of his pastor if he has not been faithful in praying for him.
The pastor-people relationship can be wonderful. Paul thanked the Lord every time he thought about the saints in Philippi. Does your pastor thank the Lord every time he thinks about you?
Christians who gossip and complain about their pastors cannot expect revival in their churches. The Judgment Seat of Christ may reveal that the critical attitudes of congregations have been the prime cause for lack of revival and blessing. It will be a fearful experience to bear that responsibility in judgment.
Ask God if your heart is right toward your pastor. Are you a blessing to him or a burden'? Do you help or hinder his ministry? Do you thank God every time you think about him? If so, he is probably thankful for you.