The Insidious Mistake
A small error in the beginning is a great one in the end.
Thomas Aquinas Perhaps you have read this far with a sense of relief: no drug problem, your initial pastorate went smoothly, nobody yet has tried to take your scalp, you get along with your co-workers, and the family appears content, even if they do grumble some now and then. Maybe mistakes are for other, less fortunate, leaders. You've scanned the horizon without sighting any torpedoes. Beware the barnacles! Most of us aren't spectacular in our error. For every sudden fiery wreck exist numerous slow sinkings brought on by years of negligent maintenance. A popular Christian writer divorces, and people everywhere register shock. Twenty drained pastors quietly resign, and it is hardly noticed. Yet in either case, the damage is considerable. Or a minister pockets part of the offering — and creates a stir. But many other ministers slowly deplete their spiritual substance — and cause a wider loss. The insidious mistakes can sink us almost imperceptibly, but sunk is sunk. So what are these chronic little mistakes, the overlooked systemic errors that bring more than their share of grief? Most anything in immoderate quantities will do the trick. For instance, pastoral calling is a time-honored duty; yet do only pastoral calling, and people get upset. Tagging all the dangerous little mistakes is impossible, but listing a few common ones will make the point. Goatfeathers
A sensitive Reformed pastor provided this colorful tag for a common behavior: "It seems we pastors are often out collecting 'goatfeathers' for our cap. By goatfeathers I mean those pats on the back for the favors we do. Somebody asks me to pray for Rotary, and I do it. I know I'll be awarded a couple of goatfeathers ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
