Recently, a relative called me with a concern. She seemed upset and concerned that her pastor, who preached at a central California church, was going to be moving to a church in Los Angeles. I asked her why and she said his reason was because of more money. She explained to me that he was actually doing quite financially well in central California and couldn't understand why his move was based on strictly monetary reasons. We talked for a good while and I tried to give her words of comfort and advice.
Now, the question. Was the pastor there for his church or there until a better offer came along; and how was his congregation able to rationalize and understand that? This is a man who's members believed in him and trusted him for spiritual guidance and uplifting sermons. Now, it seems he was for sale after all. Sad to say. Let's cut right to the chase! Deep down, we are all human ruled by human nature. Bottom line!!
I tried to explain to her the meaning of church. Church is a place where people go to share with others the joy and many blessings that God gives their lives on a daily basis. However, church can't save you!! Also, a man can't save you. That is what that pastor was, a man. Too many times, we as a society put men of the faith on a pedestal too much and we have to learn to mentally separate that fact. Whether it's the ministers that solicited the prostitutes or catholic priests that molested little boys, they are men. They have faults and flaws like the rest of us do. We have to find our own path with God and stay strong in our spiritual beliefs. The pastor just proved my point that he is a man who did what any other man would do. He took a better offer. However, he left his flock knowing he could be bought!!
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