LAYING DOWN OUR RIGHTS FOR THE GLORY OF THE GOSPEL (15)
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-18
This content is part of a series.
Title: Laying Down our Rights for the Glory of the Gospel (15)
Series: 1 Corinthians
Author: Robert Dawson
Text: 1 Corinthians 9.1-18
I never cease to be amazed at how creative and contradictory I can be in my criticism of others. I can find fault in anyone and anything. We are a perpetually dissatisfied people. We live in an overly sensitive and critical society where whatever you say can and will be used against you. Whatever you don't say can and will be used against you. Whatever you do will be used against you. Whatever you don't do will be used against you.
Sometimes, it feels like you can't win for losing. I found a little poem, written from the perspective of a pastor, that expresses that sentiment - you can't win for losing.
In the pulpit high I stand each week, to share the holy Word, but in the pews, the critics lurk, with comments oft absurd. Some say, "You preach too long, dear Rev, we'll miss our Sunday roast!" While others claim, "Too short! We crave a sermon with more boast!"
"Your voice thunders like a storm and shakes the very pews!" "Speak up, we can't hear anything!" come others' clashing views. "More passion!" "Less emotion, please, your fervor makes us squirm." "Why can't you find a balance, sir, a steadier, calm term?"
"Your suit's too formal for our tastes, this isn't some grand ball." "That shirt's too casual for church, respect the Lord, stand tall!" I try to dress to fit the day, in raiment fine or plain, but no matter how I clothe myself, complaints still fall like rain.
"You focus much on grace, dear man, and sin you do neglect!" "You're harsh on sin, we need more love, our souls you must protect!" I tread the line of sacred truth, with care and love intent, yet whatever words I utter, there's critique in each lament.
I preach with heart, with all my might, to guide, uplift, and mend, yet every sermon, every word, can twist and turn, offend. But still, I stand each Sunday morn, with hope and fervent prayer ...
Series: 1 Corinthians
Author: Robert Dawson
Text: 1 Corinthians 9.1-18
I never cease to be amazed at how creative and contradictory I can be in my criticism of others. I can find fault in anyone and anything. We are a perpetually dissatisfied people. We live in an overly sensitive and critical society where whatever you say can and will be used against you. Whatever you don't say can and will be used against you. Whatever you do will be used against you. Whatever you don't do will be used against you.
Sometimes, it feels like you can't win for losing. I found a little poem, written from the perspective of a pastor, that expresses that sentiment - you can't win for losing.
In the pulpit high I stand each week, to share the holy Word, but in the pews, the critics lurk, with comments oft absurd. Some say, "You preach too long, dear Rev, we'll miss our Sunday roast!" While others claim, "Too short! We crave a sermon with more boast!"
"Your voice thunders like a storm and shakes the very pews!" "Speak up, we can't hear anything!" come others' clashing views. "More passion!" "Less emotion, please, your fervor makes us squirm." "Why can't you find a balance, sir, a steadier, calm term?"
"Your suit's too formal for our tastes, this isn't some grand ball." "That shirt's too casual for church, respect the Lord, stand tall!" I try to dress to fit the day, in raiment fine or plain, but no matter how I clothe myself, complaints still fall like rain.
"You focus much on grace, dear man, and sin you do neglect!" "You're harsh on sin, we need more love, our souls you must protect!" I tread the line of sacred truth, with care and love intent, yet whatever words I utter, there's critique in each lament.
I preach with heart, with all my might, to guide, uplift, and mend, yet every sermon, every word, can twist and turn, offend. But still, I stand each Sunday morn, with hope and fervent prayer ...
There are 21443 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
