Oh Reluctant Priest

Have you ever wrestled with the idea of the priesthood of all believers?  I have.

While my story is different, I get the feeling this chapter is all too common. I have been witness to the most profound, life-changing, and moving event in my life. It was liberating, eye-opening, and the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Who wouldn’t want to share that? Who wouldn’t want all to know this rapture? Who would be reluctant to spread the word of this to all that would listen? Me, that’s who, over here, yea me, the guy who looks like every other Christian, acts like every other Christian, and quite possibly is every other Christian.

Yes, I know I’m called to spread the good news: Mark 16:15 (NIV) He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.” I actually do want to spread the good news and I try to do my best. It seems, however, the world and those around me are even more unsure of when and how, than I am. I have a memory of a man on the street corner in Pasadena, Texas on every Sunday morning at 7am preaching through a megaphone. No one is listening, no one is seeing but, he is fulfilling the call! Or, is he? It’s not really for me to say, but I do know, I don’t want to be that guy. I would rather my words be few, my arrow be true, than to have those around me tune me out like the always yelling parent.

Yet, even those few true words I resist. I want so badly to restore those I love, to free them from the captivity and oppression. To show them God’s Love through words as well as action. If they would just listen, open their eyes, feel my heart, they would know. But the fear holds me back. The fear that I don’t know enough, I hold no degree. The fear that I haven’t the experience; it’s been only a couple of years since I came to Christ. Fear that I will be judged. “Bible Thumper” is a term that comes to mind. And then there is the issue of my own restoration. How can I speak of the wonders of our Lord when I still turn away from Him? To lead a sentence with an apology is something I’m no longer comfortable with. “While I’ve only been a Christian for a short period of time..” I find myself saying that all too often.

Still, the burning desire to spread God’s Love through words pulses through me. Sometimes I want to take people by the shoulders, shake them, look them in the eye and say “You are deeply and profoundly loved! Open your eyes and see Him and you will know His love!” My friends would be few and my family would be far if I followed my own desire here. How many times have you heard wisdom being “yelled” at you? More importantly, how many times did you listen?

So, I struggle and I pray. “What words do I speak Lord?” How does a guy like me, still learning the word, inexperienced in spreading His wisdom, and unwilling to undergo the scrutiny; bring redemption to those that need it most? He answers me: “Through patience and [most of all] Love.”

Patience, are you kidding me? I’m middle aged; I don’t have time for patience! My kids are growing up so quickly, they need Jesus NOW! OK, OK, I get it, patience. Love I also get. Give the Love He has given me. Someone once said “Love is a verb”. “Love is God in action” would be another way to put it. So what about action? What do you want me to do Lord? “Just Love” He tells me. So if I love someone, the words God wants me to speak will come? Hmmm, that’s actually a relief! It takes the pressure off. I’m just a man. What wisdom do I have without You, oh Lord? I will let the Wisdom into my heart. I will share his Love with courage and take action.

1 Peter 2:4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

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Mike Reynolds is a participant in a Thrive Group.  He lives in Folsom, Ca with his wife, two daughters and a short Daschund named Charlie.