It is so incredible how I had placed hidden expectations on seminary. I used to believe that upon acceptance, my walk with the Lord will be amplified and deepened because of my environment and peers. It may be true! But my relationship with God is my own responsibility.
I know far too many people who enter into seminary because they thought that seminary would deepen their faith. Others had nothing better to do. Some just went because they thought being a pastor is 'cool.' Dang it... Seriously?! Being a pastor is the most toughest job (quoted by my mom). You care and tend the souls of so many. You are constantly praying and fasting before decisions are made. You are ridiculed, respected, judged, loved, persecuted and cared for all at the same time. Your finances, security, and comfort all decrease. You WILL encounter suffering. Wow, imagine entering seminary with a hidden expectation that your walk would be better. How disappointed I would have been!
But regardless of the tsunami of feelings of becoming a pastor, there is still joy, peace, hope, and excitement. The calling and the journey of becoming a pastor is not decided by me (or anyone). My decision is whether I would respond to Him calling me to enter into full time ministry.
Note (edited 2/24/12 @ 4:10): A brother of mine reminded me that all of us Christians are already in 'full-time' ministry. I agree. We can't be part-time ministers of Christ. We might not do it as a 'career', but our lives is already a ministry that reflects God's grace and mercy. I do not deny the fact that seminary could in fact sharpen one's walk with the Lord. Currently, my wrestle isn't so much 'should I go to seminary?' It's more so 'which seminary should I go to?'
No comments:
Post a Comment