The mind battles that are fought before and after a message are intense…always!!! Some of the highest of highs and lowest of lows are while a message is being prepared, delivered and the days (and even weeks) that follow. Here are a few pieces of advice…
#1 - Get alone with God and let Him set you on fire.
John Wesley once said, “I just set myself on fire and people come to watch me burn.” We NEED that in our speakers today.
I’m afraid too many of us are dominated by the thought, “what is so and so going to think if I say this.” And we become WAY more obsessed with not offending people…and in doing so we are perfectly willing to offend Jesus.
My advice…get ALONE with God and let Him absolutely put a message inside of your that absolutely burns your very soul…and you feel like you will explode if you don’t get what He’s put in you out of you!
One more thing before I move on…FIRE BURNS!!! If you preach what God has burned into your heart God will use it to purify some…and burn others! You & I can NOT EVER being more concerned with people’s comfort & neglect God’s command.
#2 - Understand That People Will ALWAYS Misunderstand What You Say…And Even Get Angry!
This may come as a complete shock to you…but I offend people every Sunday! Yes, it IS true! I know that is SO hard to believe. But…here’s the kicker…
Often times I offend people that I didn’t really know I was offending…and most (not all) of the time it’s because they took an element of what I said…just a small piece and blew it COMPLETELY out of context. Oh yeah…it’s going to happen.
For example, just the other week I made the comment from stage that the Democratic Party was way more organized and direct with what they were trying to communicate that the Republican party. I was in NO WAY endorsing either party; however, we actually had a few people think I was endorsing Democrats!!!
Pastors, people will always tell you AFTER you speak what you should and should not have said! Anyone can be an “arm chair quarterback” and “call the plays” from the comfort of their living room! But, once again, allow God to get you on fire, to put HIS WORDS in YOUR HEART, don’t feel like you need to throw out a disclaimer for every other statement.
#3 - Keep The “One Day” Principle In Mind
I say it all of the time—but Hebrews 13:17 is a verse that every pastor SHOULD memorize!!!
Pastors, one day we will stand before God and be held accountable for how we lead and communicate.
Every message I prepare and deliver I have to say, “Would I be willing to stand in front of the Almighty right now with a clear conscience in regards to this message?”
You see, when we preach—HE is the ONE we are called to honor…not the deacons, church board or the largest giver!
One day I will stand in front of God…and if you are settled in your heart in regards to that—then step out and speak with confidence and conviction, knowing that you can NEVER, I mean EVER please God and people!
By the way…before I close let me say that I am FULLY CONVINCED that it is a great idea for pastors to bounce their messages off of a group of people for the purpose of clarity and getting new ideas and thoughts…but dude, they will not stand beside you one day when you go before God…it will be you and Him…so always make sure that you are doing what you do for His honor…HIS ALONE!