PASTORS WHO WORRY ABOUT WHAT OTHERS THINK
Pastors are no different than any other people. We are not above the temptations and problems others face. We know exactly what others go through because we encounter the same things ourselves. We struggle with sin and self-contentedness the same as everyone else. We want to please God and do what He wants, but we also want to please our people and be liked by them. That is normal and all right as long as it doesn’t become so important that it influences what we say or do. Worrying about what others think of us can keep us from focusing on what God wants. It can also keep us from doing what is right and best for our people.
When I was growing up, I struggled with fear of what others thought of me. I would do what I could to impress people and have them think well of me. That was often more important to me than anything else. But that is not right. There is One Person I am to please before all others, and sometimes trying to impress others means I’m not doing what God wants me to do. It is His approval alone which I am to strive for. My need for security must be met by Him, not by others.
When I am overly concerned about what others think of me, I let them control me and influence me. It’s OK to enjoy others and not want to offend them and it’s fine to make sure we have a good reputation and are well thought of. But when we start worrying about what others think and when we are afraid others might not approve of what we do that we go wrong.
In many churches the pastor is under the authority of a board of elders, so there is pressure to please them. Often congregations will vote to affirm they want their pastor to stay for another year. That often becomes a popularity contest. If a pastor loses the vote, he will lose his job and income. It is important the people support us and follow our leadership. A pastor couldn’t function if that wasn’t true. But when we live in fear of disapproval, of gossip or criticism it can change how we function as a pastor. We can be tempted to do what the people want rather than what is best for them.
Every parent knows they can’t always do everything their children want. Being a parent is not a popularity contest. A parent must do what is right and best for the child, no matter what the child thinks. They wouldn’t be a good parent if they didn’t. The same is true of pastors. However, children can’t vote out their parent, or leave their family and join a different family. But people in a church can, and often do get ride of their pastor or leave the church.
Living for the love and approval of others will lead us to make foolish decisions motivated by the flesh. Our goal is not to “make a good showing in the flesh” (Galatians 6:12) but to live to please Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:1).
God has already approved us; therefore, we do not seek further approval from people but live only to please Christ. If people don’t like you, make sure it isn’t because you’ve treated them badly but only because you are following Jesus and He is the one they really reject. If we don’t have as many people as another pastor or church, that does not mean we aren’t doing a good job. It may because we are!
Luke 6:26 Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
Galatians 1:10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.
How concerned are you about what people think of you?
When God looks at you, does He see someone who is trying to please and impress others?
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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