Pray for me

 

And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men…the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one

 (2 Thessalonians 3:2–3).

 

 

PRAY FOR ME

 

RECENTLY, THE CATHOLIC Church in North America has seen repeated examples of moral failure within its clergy. But this problem has not just occurred among Catholics. Every denomination has seen the result of moral failure among its pastors and leaders. I shamefully confess that many of my brothers in ministry no longer serve as pastors due to moral failure. Yet I consider myself no better than them; many of them were more talented and wiser than I. We fight a spiritual battle every day, pastors and laypersons alike. Some are victorious in battle while others have been defeated. But for God’s grace, that could be me.

 

These individuals serve as reminders to keep my heart pure and to pray for those in leadership over me. I ask you to do the same. Your pastor or Sunday School teacher may be going through things you would never imagine. Pray for their faithfulness. You, along with your leaders, have a great calling—to reach the lost. The moment you lose integrity, you lose influence in the lives of the lost.

 

Perhaps you dislike or disagree with your pastor. Instead of complaining, pray for him. Ask God to bless and protect him. Then sit back and watch God’s faithfulness to you and your leaders.

—Mike McClung