At one point many years ago, my wife Karen noticed that I was exaggerating my facts slightly. In conversation the numbers became a little larger, the facts a little less factual. She commented on it—sweetly. I denied it—sweetly.
From that point on I began to hear nuances such as, “There, David, you just did it again.” “See what I mean. That’s not the way it happened.” Finally the simple raising of an eyebrow convinced me her observation had been accurate.
This might seem like a little matter to some, but I have had past (and somewhat brutal) experience with fellow ministers who so stretched statements that they were no longer able to distinguish between truth and untruth. This all occurred at a time when I was undergoing distinct personal pressure. And, we analyzed it as a symptom of those difficulties—compensation for some of the insufficiencies I was being made to feel.
I shared this problem with a prayer group. Now there are not many pastors who would feel free to state that they were having difficulties with lying. But I did, basically because I anticipated the group response to be, “David feels keenly about this and we will back him in prayer and do all we can to be of help.” If I cannot, within the church, share my needs and have the people pray without gossiping about them, the sickness in the body is grave indeed.
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Pastor, when “sermon prep day” rolls around each week, do you face the task of preparing another sermon with a frown on your face? If so, you’re not alone. Many pastors literally dread preparing their Sunday sermon. There just doesn’t seem to be an easy solution. The good news: David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions. We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
