When I was a student studying for the ministry, I wore rose colored glasses concerning the pastorate. Naively, I assumed that being a shepherd was mostly preaching, teaching, evangelizing, and discipling unlearned yet hungry sheep. Of course, I realized that the ministry would be punctuated with the occasional funeral, wedding, and discontent sheep, but overall, I assumed that all people in a church had a strong desire to grow. Now, having been senior pastor for a whoppin’ eight months, I have realized maybe things are a little different than I thought. Yes, much of my time is spent studying God’s Word (of which I love) and the vast majority of God’s people that I minister to, have a desire to grow. But I seem to have either forgotten or ignored the fact, that there will be Judases along the way. Before everyone thinks I am being too hard on others, let me explain that I think Judas has kind of gotten a bad rap. Yes, he did betray our Lord and Savior; and yes, Jesus did say that it would have been better had he not been born. Sure, he cared not for the poor and was a thief. But really, could I have ever been accused of those things? Have I ever betrayed my Lord by being ashamed to proclaim his name? Have I ever cared not for the poor? Have I ever stolen and been a theif, at the very least been covetous. Please don’t misunderstand me, I don’t for a second believe that Judas was a believer or that he actually got saved on his death gallows, but Christian churches are full of Judases. Judas was a pretender; and I am sure that at times he was very sincerely trying to follow Jesus. So many “Christians” pretend to follow Jesus in churches today, they go to worship meetings, they maybe even attend a midweek prayer service or a Bible study. Sometimes they may even give gospel literature out, but they have never truly surrendered their life to Jesus Christ. I do not believe that Judas was some maniacle, diabolical, sinister evil genius (at least not anymore than every other sinner, of which we all were or are). But I do believe that Judas was caught up with the hype of Jesus and “Christianity” but never had the power of God in his life. He did what the unregenerate do; he lied, stole, and sought to please himself. I have encountered “Christians” (only God knows if they are truly regenerate) who claim to be a disciple, but really live just like they always have lived. Individuals with whom there doesn’t seem to be any real growth. These faith-fakers, or pretenders are content to “follow” Jesus until it costs something they are unwilling to pay.
So how do you handle these pretenders, these “Judases” in our churches? The comfort I receive in all of this, is that Jesus little congregation of 12 had at least one pretender fooled most everyone. . .everyone but Jesus. So how did Jesus handle the pretender in the midst? Well, we know that he compassionately gave him ample opportunity to repent–at least three and a half years. Even when Judas betrayed him with a kiss, Jesus called him friend. He also clearly confronted Judas with the Truth. Jesus did not pull punches, he told Judas that he knew he would betray his “Master.” He did not gloss over Judas greatest sin as traitor, but even told him that it would have been better had he never been born. Not for Jesus’ sake, but for Judas’ sake, it would have been better. Jesus also let Judas go. Sometimes in our churches, we have a hard time letting the pretenders go, because we are afraid that they may spread rumors about us, or maybe they have deep pockets or are influential with others. Judas had fooled all of the disciples, with his pious antics. Obviously, he was respected enough to be the accountant. The patience and firmness of Jesus is a rebuke to me. How often I would respond to those who would pretend with the extreme response in both aspects. Either to “loving” and neglecting of confrontation. Or too confrontational without giving adequate opportunity for them to repent. May the pretenders learn from Judas. . . it doesn’t end well, and may the believer learn from Jesus to be patiently confrontational with sin.
“Lord give me the patience to handle the pretenders and the wisdom to confront them with your Truth”
Matt,
Sorry the honeymoon was so short for you. But when I think back, I had problems with people in the first year of my first Pastorate as well. It can be extremely discouraging. Talk to your Dad. (If you haven’t already)That’s what I did. Thankfully we both have that resource. The delights of the ministry come and go. Delight in the Lord and your family during the tough times. That delight is as constant as you make it. Interesting thoughts about Judas and human nature.
Unfortunately, we do exhibit some of his traits at times. Good reminder to be patient with others.
I will try to remember to pray for you, your family, and the church daily.
In Christ,
Tim