Pastor Doesn't Mean Better

I wrote this blog post about a year or so ago and I will admit I had hesitations and even some fear in sharing mostly because I was afraid of what people may think. Maybe they would think I don't believe in preachers or I am trying to blaspheme the church. I am learning, however, that God cares about the intentions of your heart. My intentions in writing this are in encouraging those who have ever felt like I have felt in church environments. There were so many times I felt judged, broken, hurt and defeated in my interactions with pastors. This blog post is a message from God there is no condemnation (Romans 8:1) and we don't have to hold any human being in the position of God. That is something we ourselves can personally control. So my prayer is this will release you from feeling obligation to remain in the bondage of a toxic relationship with a pastor and allow God to heal the wounds you have experienced over the years.

Until recently, I thought being a preacher was an exclusive club for those who heard from God in a different and special way than other people. I thought this set them apart from us, like on a different level, similar to that of a video game. I envisioned it being like an upgrade that required a special code that only a select few of individuals only knew about. Religion had me believing they were untouchable, seeking and reaching the ultimate place in heaven with an automatic ticket. And then, I got deeper in my relationship with God and gained a better understanding of HIs word. So here I am, realizing and understanding with increased wisdom, we all were given gifts by God to be used for His kingdom. A great example of how God sees His children and how the argument of anyone being "better" than anyone is debunked, we will look at Luke chapter 9:46-48

An argument stated among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him. Then he said to them, "whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me and whoever welcomes me welcome the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.

I can envision complete silence in the room like "DOH" Hahaha! Talk about conviction! There is no race, no reward for those who are the "greatest" Christian! When yo see a preacher, he or she, is not greater than you or me no matter what is said or done. Read the word of God, ask Him for yourself. You have worth in the kingdom whether you are a pastor or not. God equipped all of us to be stewards for the benefit of the uplifting of HIs Holy Kingdom.

This is what I know many of us have been scarred or hurt by things said and/or done by people who have religious power. It hurts us to the point where we question our worth in Christ. There may be some of you who were hurt by religious family members who tried to strip you of your connection with God because they made you believe the things, you were doing or did disqualify you. WRONG! In Romans 8 (AMP) Paul says

And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, tho to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. Romans 8:28 AMP

For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced-beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angel, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any. other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 AMP

NOTHING! I am here to tell you today you have worth IN CHRIST! He loves YOU so much , so much. Not one of His creations can disqualify you for that! So if you are here right now in this minute and you left God or you never looked for Him, He is FOR YOU! Seek Him. I promise you the journey is worth it!

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. Jeremiah 29:12-14 NKJV