Take and Give

I remember counsel I received as a new pastor, how the role requires an ability to "take it."  This was not speaking of the call to pastoral ministry but what is required at times when dealing with conflict and problems.  Ministry involves people, and every person is a sinner--including me.  When Christians were taking their personal gripes before secular courts Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:7, "Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?"  There is a point when we must humbly choose the high road when someone is giving you a piece of their mind and does not know the whole story.  People in leadership will find themselves criticised, questioned, judged and opposed.  Those who cannot accept this reality are better off doing anything else than fighting for respect or trying to justify yourself.

It was good advice to receive as a young pastor up front, and I later learned an important second part of the same:  after I had taken it, I needed to give it to God.  It is one thing to feel like a whipping boy, and it is another to remember Jesus was scourged for my sins.  Jesus was able to bear the sins of the world upon Him, and I could not bear the weight of my own iniquity!  "Tell someone who cares," people say.  Believe me, Jesus does care more than anyone I know.  1 Peter 5:5-7 says, "Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." ⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, ⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."  Sometimes we hear of problems and suffering that burdens us greatly, and only Christ can sustain and uphold us.  More than merely being a confidant, all our confidence and hope is in Him. 

A wise man will take on board counsel and advice given from others, and there is always a risk we will take offence.  Sometimes we can be offended because of malicious or hateful speech towards us and others, yet offense can occur when our expectations are unmet.  The disciples were offended a woman would waste precious oil by anointing Jesus when He commended her for doing a good thing.  The townsfolk of Nazareth were offended because of the wise words Jesus said in their synagogue.  We can be confident whatever God has us take, we can give to Him because He cares for us.  I have found this to be a good practice with commendation and praise as well.  When we are complimented, it is good to humbly receive it and quickly give it to the LORD because He is the deserving one.  Holding praise close to our hearts fills us with pride and works to strip us of reliance upon God as our source of wisdom and strength.

In a world of give and take, I have found when we must "take" it is healthy (and helpful!) to give.  Praise the LORD He is longsuffering to bear with us, and continues to care for us.