I am currently serving in my all-time favorite role thus far in my 38 years of employed life! Serving the Senior Pastor of our church is an honor that I don’t take lightly. I often feel the weight of my responsibilities and their ripple effect. That, combined with my bent to be very disciplined, and I could easily slip into a monastic way of thinking as I approach my responsibilities. You know… bowing low, super serious, hushed voices.
Yeah, not around here!
One of the things I enjoy most about my oversight – and our leadership team in general – is the genuine, life-giving, uproarious JOY with which they serve. There is no doubt that they face difficult situations, walk with people through gut-wrenching experiences, and navigate the scriptures with humble sincerity. Yet, their joy is undeniable. Each day I hear happy greetings with slaps on the backs and manly bro hugs. Unrestrained laughter bursts often from behind meeting doors.
They kinda’ like each other.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,
not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV
It is in this role that I have witnessed the most about honesty, perseverance, and encouragement. These men and women have taken the time to know, invest in, and cheer on one another as they’ve served together over time. They know God is faithful because they have seen it in good times and bad with one another. They have walked through life long enough to know that even if things are difficult in the moment, God is in on their side – cheering them on.
Understanding that God is your biggest fan, is life-changing.
Knowing how to cheer one another on has ripple effects into eternity. Cheering for someone reminds them of the truth that they may have temporarily forgotten. They can do this! They are called to this! They have people on their side who will lend the seed of belief until they, themselves, can believe again. Cheering is not a quiet activity. In fact, it usually involves a lot of “hootin’ and hollerin’” – the louder the better! And the louder the cheering, the louder the joy. Can you imagine what Heaven sounds like?!
Serving with joy does not take away from the seriousness of our work. In fact, it emphasizes the truth of the hope we profess. When our joy splashes onto those around us, it is contagious. It is energizing. It gives us courage. Will you join me in a renewed awareness to serve with joy? We have been entrusted with a holy work that merits a holy response. Let’s cheer for each other! I’ll start… you, my friend, are worthy, equipped, a precious daughter of the Most High, dearly loved, highly favored and …
You are adored.
You Are Adored 