Not Me But He

Otsego First Baptist has received so many wonderful blessings. Our congregation has seen prayers answered, loved ones healed and new faces joining us on Sundays. It is amazing how God continues to give! Although we still have challenges that we remain in prayer for, it is with a joyful heart that I simply say, "thank you Lord". Psalms 30:1 says, I will extol thee, O Lord. In other words, I will give God all the credit for everything I am able to accomplish.

As pastor, I am biblically responsible for the direction of our church, spiritual well being of our congregation and impact we have on those around us. One day, when I am called home, I will have to give an account whether or not I was faithful to these duties. I also firmly believe that Jesus will ask me who I gave credit for the blessings Otsego First Baptist experienced during my time there. As we have all witnessed, it is easy for a pastor to take credit for the good things going on in church. The sermon preached, the Sunday School lesson, healing of members and new faces that join worship are truly wonderful blessings. ALL of which come from Christ and His graciousness.

Recently, Lovel shared a social media video with me of a young pastor we both know. In the video, he is excited and energized about the "generational changes" he has accomplished through his youth ministry. He goes on to extol his accomplishments while traveling to other countries and the impact he has had on hundreds, if not thousands of young people. What was missing from this seemingly self-promoting video was him thanking Jesus for all of his accomplishments and giving Him the credit as the Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:17. While I believe this young pastor had good intentions and was trying to raise funds to travel and share God's Word, my heart is burdened for his misguided idea of who the credit should go to for ALL he has been able to accomplish.

Not me, but HE...

Pastor Aaron