Being Very Serious (Part 26)

A young minister asked me just recently if I could give him some advise as he started his ministry as a pastor. I told him that I wasn't perfect as a pastor, but I would think about it and pray about it and see what the Lord would put on my heart. Hopefully these things will help him and any other pastor that reads them. I wish I had known some of these things going in because I had to learn a lot of them by experience. If they help those who read them then I have done what the Lord wanted me to do.

Good Advise For Pastors:

-Always say less than you think. Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it counts more than what you say.

-Make promises sparingly, and keep them faithfully, no matter what it costs.

-Praise good work, regardless of who did it. Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about somebody.  If criticism is needed, criticize helpfully, never spitefully.

-Make merry with those who rejoice; mourn with those who weep. Be interested in others, their pursuits, their work, their homes and families. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you regard him as a person of importance.

-Don't burden or depress those around you by dwelling on your minor aches and pains and small disappointments. Be cheerful. Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of a load.

-It is a mark of a superior mind to be able to disagree without being disagreeable. Keep an open mind. Discuss but don't argue.

-Refuse to talk of another's vices. Discourage gossip. It is a waste of valuable time and can be extremely destructive. Let your virtues speak for themselves. 

-Be careful of another's feelings. Humor at the other person's expense is rarely worth it and may hurt when least expected.

-Pay little attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Remember, the person who carried the message may not be the most accurate reporter in the world. Simply live so that nobody will believe them. Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of backbiting.

-Do your best, and be patient. Don't be too anxious about the credit due you. Forget about yourself, and let others "remember." Success is much sweeter that way.