Building Church Leaders

Notice how within two sentences in this article, not being married is equated with being difficult. There are 100 desperate, single women for every one single man in the church. Just do the math. Most Christian women won't be able to get married, yet somehow this is their own fault for being *difficult*. This is the reason I'm not part of the church.

I think this article is very practical and encouraging. I do a lot of work with the elderly, and with poor memories, and other physical limitations, it requires a lot of patience, but I try and remind myself, they were all created in the Image of God, and Christ died for them, and earlier in their lives, they were more desirable too, and some day, if God spares me, I will probably be the same as them, so I will try to obey the Lord Jesus and do unto others, as I would like to have done to me! I think we do have to set boundries, if too many unreasonable demands are made on our time, because I believe we are to be good Stewards of our time as well as of our money! In the final analysis, it really boils down to following the example of our Master, who we claim to serve. How do we think He would treat that person? If we're honest, we'll probably conclude, He would treat them with a lot more love, compassion, patience and tenderness than I often do. So daily I pray, make me like Him!

I am one of those "difficult people" talked about in this articular. I suffer from a mental illness that makes me act differently then others. I have been told I am very intelligent and well educated but lack appropriate social skills. Do to my illness and personality I have been an "outsider" all my life. But I also realize that most the people I sit next to in church are "broken" as well. They are as ill as I am, they just know how to cover it better then I do. Where I might say something inconsiderate, they are thinking it without saying it. Where I get bored and walk out, they check out mentally. Really, I appreciate it when people attempt to understand me and love me. But remember, I understand you too.

Good advice about the people functioning just fine (or not) before you came along. So many times we get wrapped into other people and feel so pressed to do things for and with them. But truth be told, they were getting through their days without me, they will continue to survive, not because of me, but because of the God who wakes them up every morning and guides them through each day. Bottom line, we have to trust the work of Christ in their life more than in our own ability.

Very useful and practically applicable information! We will apply these concept immediately. thank you!