CHRISTIAN INSIGHTS

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Saturday, Oct 19, 1996  
GOOD NEWS!   The Cardiologist felt that a minor ajdustment of medication
might take care of my problem.  I hope so, for I really enjoy living for what
good I can do in the world-- especially in the Christian Community.   Thank
you for your prayers and concern.
The disks and FTP files are still available-- and FREE.  The Lord has
graciously supplied the necessary funds from an unexpected source.  GLORY!

                  MINISTERIAL PITFALLS TO AVOID

Many years ago, when I was a young Minister, aspiring for the top, someone
gave me a bit of fatherly advice which I have never forgotten.  

They told me of four major pitfalls which a young man (and woman) should
constantly watch for, and avoid as much as is possible.

Ministers are constantly in relationship to the WORD OF GOD.  It is
relatively easy for one to get in WRONG RELATIONSHIP to the WORD OF GOD.  A
little cutting of corners here and there, to make life more palatable, or to
ease restrictions upon our lives, and the process is begun.  Soon, OH SO VERY
SOON, we find it easy to compromise our relationship to God, and HIS WORD.

Ministers are constantly involved with MONEY AND FINANCES.  They soon learn
how easily people can be influenced by a little bit of manipulation, and
"shaving" of the truth.  Many unwary Ministers have FALLEN into this trap,
and are unaware of their condition.  Pockets lined with greenbacks is such a
pleasant feeling that they like to forget what they did to get that way.

Ministers are, by virtue of their calling, put in positions of LEADERSHIP.
 It is so VERY EASY for us to become AGRESSIVE and DOMINEERING in our
demeanor-- especially toward other Ministers.  Sometimes, without our notice,
we become COMPETITIVE or ENVIOUS and ACCUSATIVE in our relationship to others
who are also called of the Lord.

One of the MOST DANGEROUS pitfalls is a WRONG RELATIONSHIP to WOMEN.  An
older lady Minister once told me that many women are attracted to their
Minister, especially when he is ministering in the ANOINTING OF GOD.  They
are not aware of what is happening, but the infatuation continues to grow
until it can, and often does reach dangerous proportions.   Couple this with
what the mortal body of a man can, and often does feel when he sees, or is
close to a GODLY WOMAN, and you have the makings of a catastrophe.  

Job said, "I have made a covenatnwith mine eyes.  Why then should I think
upon a maid (or any woman)?

Ministers-- especially young aspiring ones, should be especially vigilant of
these four major pitfalls. 

Any one of them can cripple or completely ruin his ministry.

Our best DEFENSE against them is the prayer of David.  "CREATE IN ME A CLEAN
HEART, O GOD."   God will hear an honest prayer of that kind.