1 Timothy 1:12-15 says “12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” and I am the worst of them

Pastors are not worthy to be where they are in that they are merely vessels used by God to shepherd and feed the flock. God’s grace covers and in some sense equips because without the grace of God there would be no position of Pastor. His grace covers and because of that grace we can serve where He has called us and appointed us. It’s only by the grace of God that sinners can be used to further the Kingdom. Paul had a past on him and he was amazed that God would use him despite of that past. I can relate to Paul in many ways, I didn’t persecute Christians but I turned my back on God and the faith for many years. Notice, Paul says that he received mercy because he acted out of ignorance. Whether you are a Pastor, Teacher, Leader or someone who serves in the church this is important for you to remember. The Lord has been merciful to us and has called us to serve the Him despite our past and history because He is abundant in mercy and grace. Those that walk in the Christian faith and those that aspire to serve the King in a greater capacity will face demons from their past and the Enemy will work on them until they allow their emotions and feelings to get them to submit and stop serving the Lord.

The Christian walk and Serving the King means that you will be in the ring daily fighting spiritual battles and you will always be fighting mainly your past. Every Pastor and Every Christians has to know His or Her place, in that “Christ Jesus came into the World to save sinners and we are the worst of them. Paul, knew his place, He knew that He was in need of grace and knew that he was only able to serve the King because of it. 1 Timothy 3:1 says “This saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work. The position of Pastor demands many things but the most difficult thing is when you forget your place at the cross and forget that the same grace that was given to every member in the body of Christ was given to you. The enemy is always working on damaging the church and damaging the body and most certainly damaging the shepherd. The church needs to be protective of their pastor and family and be in continual prayer for protection and strength for them. During this month take time to build up your pastor or pray for him. Know that he is always fighting a very difficult battle and needs your help to carry out the work.