I am no Mother Teresa

 By the way, I am no Mother Teresa, one of the most real people I have read about and someone who put her words into action!

I received one of the greatest compliments the other day. I was told how transparent and genuine I was. I was a little taken aback by that comment and as I reflected on it yesterday, I realized how important it was to me. As a pastor, but really in any position I have ever served, I want people to know my heart. It is not because I have that perfect heart because sometimes that openness is not perceived as helpful. I wish I could be like Paul and say “imitate me” but I am a long way from that. 

“I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I urge you to imitate me. That’s why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go.” (1 Corinthians 4:14-17)

I love being transparent and open about who I am so that people can see that God can use even someone as flawed as I am. Paul also knew his limitations. He wasn’t bragging when he said follow me. He was saying, look if I can do it, so can you. He often said, I was the worst of sinners.

“This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” — and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” ,

I often say, “I am who I am.” There are no surprises with me. I am a little proud of that. I see people acting one way at home and one way at work and another way when they go to church. I don’t want to spend the kind of energy it takes to be someone I am not. For good or bad, you get what you see! 

My greatest desire is that you can see me, a flawed man, who has been saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.