PASTORAL STUDY and RESPONSIBILITY IN MINISTRY - TUESDAY - DECEMBER 20, 2023
2 Tim 2:1-3
2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
1 and 2 Timothy along with Titus are what is called the Pastoral Epistles. It would be good to spend some time studying them.
To me, the key verse in these three are; "Thou therefore endure hardness..." As a minister and especially a Pastor you are exposed to more hardships to be endured than the average Christian. Many sink under the burden and die (spiritually). What we do is for the Savor's sake and the good of the church, therefore to be a minister and especially a pastor is not to take a place of ease. We do not do what we do merely to enjoy ourselves, but to partake of hardship and endure them. People you love the most, they will hurt you and let you down. Yes, there are those you know are not fully behind you, but when it is those you do not expect it from and have done nothing to merit it, that is when you really have to endure hardness.
As a minister we are called to fight as a soldier would, but in spiritual battles for others. And this is for those that many times do not understand you are fighting for their souls. We as soldier's must expect hardness, and endure and accustom ourselves to it, bearing it patiently when it comes and not be moved by it from our post of duty.