Sometimes this Pastor Thing is Questionable

Disclaimer: I am changing the names to protect the guilty.
Truly, there are times that I wonder why I ever gave up a six figure income, spent the money to go to seminary so that when I graduated I could wait 9 months for a first call (after progressing in a career where I had built experience and credibility), pay some dues and gain experience all over again, so that I could lead a congregation in a shrinking denomination while making roughly 50 percent of what I made 10 years ago. Hmmmm, why did I sign up for this?

I suppose I'm feeling a bit cranky these days. I work really hard and there are a few, maybe only one or two, who think I should work harder, make less and spend less. All the while, standing afar with a raised eyebrow and a scowl. Some see no value in investing in ministry that might actually draw others in, much less serve those who never darken our doors. Someone suggested to me that it is Presbyterians who worry about money. I don't think we have the corner on that market, I believe it is the mainline church in general that is focusing on things that don't matter all that much when held up to the Gospel.

All of these woes and worries distract from ministry. I am reminded of the Psalm from the memorial I did this morning - Psalm 121.
¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

² My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

⁴ indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

⁶ the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

⁸ the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Not men, nor angels, nor principalities nor powers....not money, nor mammon nor church buildings.....no thing, no person, no institution or structure.....None of those will uplift or undergird me. None of them will stand in the way.

So why do I do this ministry thing? For the sake of the Gospel alone.