Here it is. The end that will be tagged onto what I wrote the other day. Feel free to criticize. I just ask that you be constructive. What you say can have an effect on what I say on Sunday. I also wonder if it will be long enough, but I figure if I have said everything I felt I was supposed to say, who cares if it long enough.
So what does this change? Maybe you already live your life as a believer who views the pastor as another brother in Christ rather than an exalted superior that is absolutely necessary for us to hear and communicate with God. If so, sorry for wasting your time, but thanks for enduring this sermon patiently without throwing rotten tomatoes at me.
But if this is a concept that is new to you, the fact that you are as a much of a priest as the ordained ministers filling the pulpits of this town this morning, as much as the ordained ministers that have spoken from where I stand, then it should probably change some things.
One of the biggest misconstrued concepts of the Christian faith is the idea of freedom in Christ. I will touch on it very briefly here because it is important to this point, but it could be a whole sermon in itself. Paul wrote in Galatians, “For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love becomes slaves to one another.” Priesthood does not give us freedom to use for self-indulgence. We are given freedom to be slaves one to another. When you think of the ideal pastor and how he should be a servant to his congregation, that is what you are supposed to be to those around you. Being in a right relationship with God is essential to being an effective priest.
Second, your calling to be a factory worker, an office worker, a retail worker, or whatever else is just as high of a calling as someone called to be in the paid ministry. The only thing that makes your calling less important is if you are we’re God didn’t intend for you to be, although he will still use you where you are at. And that can also be true of pastors. It matters whether we are being faithful to God rather than being exalted by others.
Third, all of us are first, priests of God. That needs to consciously be our primary occupation. When were at work, we need to be worried about doing the things of God. When were shopping, we need to be worried about doing the things of God. Whether we are entertaining ourselves, hanging out with friends, getting ready in the morning - whatever it is that we are doing – we need to be concerned about being priests of God. Priests are in the process of making those around them right with God, and that needs to be our focus. Our primary role in life as a Christian is being a member of the priesthood of believers.
Each one of us has a high calling from God – to be a member of his priesthood. And unlike our being American citizens unable to communicate with our leader. God wants us to be in a relationship with him. He wants us to know him. He wants us to share our thoughts and desires with him. And he wants us to join in on his work of redeeming the world. So, fellow priests, let’s go serve.
Watch out for the potholes.
