Dear Brother,
To watch for a man’s soul is responsibility that flows out of relationship. I have seen a cartoon showing a shepherd, surrounded by his flock of sheep. There are no words, but after a close look, you see that one of these sheep has his front hoof raised as a fist, shaking it at his shepherd. Geographically, it does not matter how close a pastor is to the sheep, if the spirit of that sheep is independent or rebellious.
A man asked me, “How can you possibly give apostolic oversight to a man in Africa?” To him, I responded, “How was it possible for Paul to give oversight to Timothy, Titus and others? There were not telephones or even air-mail in those days.” Has God knit our hearts together? Are we genuinely related? Can we speak the truth in love? These are the real questions to be asked.
“He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.” (Proverbs 10:17) “Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die.” (Proverbs 15:10)
Brother, I’m writing this week to suggest to you, that if it has been a long time since you have received correction, ask for it with an open heart. Your apostolic oversight is a man who has your best interests at heart, he loves you, and he prays for you. He believes that the Word of God is speaking about you when it says, “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs 9:8-9)
You might prayerfully ask yourself, “Do I give my apostle/pastor the right to ask probing, disturbing questions?” Do you release in him authority over yourself, as you honor him with your attentive spirit? There have been times with my pastor, when I was talking when I should have been listening. Perhaps, if you are like me, it would be good to take notes as your apostle/pastor speaks into your life.
Sometimes we really have to work at being teachable. “Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who…emptied himself…” (Philippians 2:5-7 ASV) Our great difficulty, brother, is that we know so much. May God give you grace to empty yourselves so that you can receive fresh insight from your apostle/pastor. Allow him to be “over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and esteem him exceeding high in love for his work’s sake.” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13)
Bruce
