January 27, 2025
by Pastor Chuck Swindoll
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As a pastor, it doesn’t take very long before you understand that the ministry is not a job. It's a calling. I love Paul's first letter to his younger friend, Timothy. It is full of great reminders for us as pastors.
Paul challenged Timothy regarding three areas related to our calling, specifically:
- What do we flee from?
- What do we follow after?
- What do we fight for?
By the way, I see our calling as pastors as a responsibility that comes from God . . . without any expectations of pastoral perks on our part. Here's what that means:
- We don't do it for the money.
- We don't do it because the hours are good.
- We don't do it because everybody will love us.
- We don't do it because of where we get to choose to live.
Why do we do it? Because we cannot be satisfied doing anything other than our calling.
Honestly, can you think of any greater privilege?
Pastor Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry.
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