Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.—1 Timothy 4:12
This problem of personal identity not infrequently troubles the faithful minister. The congregation has called him as their pastor and teacher, but the members have a hard time forgetting the saintly predecessor who died or who was called to another ministry. They find it hard to make room for the new minister—mainly because he is not enough as the former one. His voice is different. So are his gestures. His hair is not gray. His wife is not as friendly.
Be careful! God blesses people for their faith and obedience, not because they are old or young, bald or gray, pleasant-voiced or raspy. God expects each one of us to let Him use us in helping people to a walk of spiritual blessing and victory. Not necessarily must we have had a long record as heroes in the faith to qualify.
"Lord, I pray for any of my brothers who may be facing this struggle today. Challenge the congregation to move on and love their new pastor. Give grace to the pastor; help him to faithfully demonstrate faith and obedience. Weld pastor and people together in a deep love relationship. Amen."
Replies
Yes this is so familiar, and one time or another I found my self sizing up someone that doesn’t look like the old and having a hard time to press forward, until God told me that It’s ME that give assignments, and It’s Me that gives gifts, and if you trust me you will embrace the new. That stop all of my insecurity and looked at the God within. Thank you, Lord, for helping us to see the true of You within another. Help us to embrace the faith and walk in obedience for us as well as others. Thank You Father. Amen.