On a recent flight to
He was clearly a pastor.
The white, button-down shirt was one clue – but there were more.
He had a big, black NIV Study Bible in his hand. And a big voice. And a big gut. And a big attitude. The flight attendant had to ask him several times to move back to his own seat... being a big man he kept moving to rows with two open seats so he could spread out. Then another passenger would board and the whole process of shifting around would begin anew.
Finally, he grumped back to his original seat, while the flight attendant gave a knowing glance to surrounding passengers.
Watching him reminded me of a conference I attended where pastors nearly crushed one another in a mad dash for a free Christian book. The irony was profound.
All of this made me wonder how my life stains the Gospel. Paul urges the early church to seek to “adorn the Gospel” by our good and loving behaviour, but too often I think I am a stained garment. And yes, it is all the worse since I am a pastor. I ought to lead by example, but my example can be misleading.
Watching that big man on that little plane was like looking in a mirror. The expressions of sin might be different, but too often I wear the same tarnished clothes. May God give grace to me and that man to “let [our] manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Seeing as I'm getting on a plane on Monday, I appreciate the reminder to dress well. Look forward to seeing you in KY.
ReplyDeleteOh... and congrats on beating Challies this morning. I usually get on my computer and find his posts on my feeds. This morning, you got in ahead of him. You're the top Christian blogger in my books... at least for one day.
A littlegirl in my church once said to me "My mommy says that you don't dress like other pastors" to which I replied "Tell your mother thank you". I do not bluster like the pastor on the plane, but I have a worse sin - I look down on blusterers. Pride is the real killer and the church has it big time, at all levels. It is the blusterer's problem and it is my attitude to the blusterer. Thanks for the wardrobe check.
ReplyDeleteI take back my comments about Tim. I see from his blog today that he had perfectly good reasons for not posting early - his daughter is in the hospital. I'll get my foot out of my mouth and pray for little Michaela
ReplyDeleteI thank our God for the grace of transparency in your life,just another thing I love about you;)
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