I had a great time one evening last week listening to a semi-retired pastor talk about his ministry journey. I say semi-retired because even though he’s in his 80’s, he actually still co-pastors a church. I hope I have that much energy in my 80’s!
He describes himself as a moderate turned liberal. But he still believes in Jesus and the Word of God, so I’d say we have a lot to agree about.
Even still, in a room full of conservative pastors, this liberal man shared his story, shared his struggles, and inspired us to follow him as he follows Christ.
I think we can learn from just about anyone, even people that we disagree with. Everyone has their own perspective on life, formed from their own unique history. This doesn’t make everyone right, but it should cause all of us to be patient with one another.
I don’t know who said it first, but I love the wisdom in the saying, “God gave us two ears and one mouth, so we ought to listen twice as much as we speak.”
It’s biblical, after all, since James says, “Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak…”
One of the beautiful things about the church is that we can come together, with our various pasts, and even with our various beliefs, and be united in the core belief that Jesus is our Savior and Lord.