I've served in full-time ministry (as though there's such a thing as "part-time ministry") for more than 22 years now. Only the past two and a half have been as lead pastor so it's a fairly new concept to me. I welcome each challenge that comes and always look forward to whatever God has in store for each teaching moment. As I began this latest chapter of ministry, I recall someone telling me "it'll be the source of your greatest joy and greatest sorrow". That has been one of the most profound truths of my experience as the spiritual leader of a congregation. When someone hurts your heart aches alongside them. When they rejoice in a season of life, so do you. But there's also another aspect of that truth. As pastor I'm deeply and personally affected by the words spoken to me, in terms of encouragement as well as harsh comments that cause my heart to ache. It's amazing how words will echo in your mind, isn't it? I'm well aware that I'm certainly not doing as good a job as some would indicate with their kind words (nor am I failing as miserably as others have indicated either) but each comment is ingested and treasured as it teaches me to be better at what God has called me to be...I'm not speaking so much in professional terms as personal - as a husband...father...friend...brother in Christ...co-laborer for the kingdom. But the real joy and sorrow is most acutely experienced as I glimpse the hearts of the people of our church. It's amazing to watch the mind of Christ pour from the lips of one who is being "renewed day by day" by His Spirit. Such insight...such encouragement...such joy. Just as profoundly intense is the anxiety of seeing someone led by something other than the Spirit of Christ to speak words that do not edify the body and cause strife among the community of believers...gossip...slander...back-biting. But here's the point I want to make in this post and this ongoing experience can always be a joy...We all have the opportunity "to love our neighbor as ourselves". It's the command that Jesus decribes as "like" the greatest commandment (to love the Lord your God with all you heart...Matt. 22:37). What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? It means that we forever hold out hope and continually pray that those around us will become more like Christ, just as we forever hold out hope that we will become more like Him as well.