Friend Of The Lonely

I've never been comfortable in life, just being me. I am socially inept. I remember in second or third grade, finding myself once again in a new school, knowing absolutely no one. I remember that loneliness because it comes often, and it somber and still. But, while I was awkward in new surroundings, I distinctly remember the presence of the Holy Spirit being my friend, when I had none. Dad joined the Navy when he was about 30. So, he was off at boot camp, and so we moved. Everybody thought He was crazy. But, He just wanted a steady living to provide for His family.

Growing up in a ministry family is difficult at best. Ministers usually are poor and we were. I’m sure if Dad had stuck it out in one place, God would have blessed. I’m sure if Dad would have confessed and forsook his sins, God would have blessed. I’m sure if Dad would have loved His wife as Christ loved the church, God would have blessed. Sorry to say none of these things happened, and my dad ran off with another lady. It took years for him to repent, but He did.  What most Christians don't realize is that there ministers are just like them. They have the same temptations, the same human imperfections, and the same sin nature fighting against their soul as the rest of us. The difference is ministers are reluctant to talk about such things, their job is at stake. And know this, hidden temptation often leads to sin. Accountability in ministry is rare, but needed. Jesus living with 12 men gave Him instant accountability. Do you think the disciples would have died for a hypocrite? I’m trying to get past my own hypocrisy and grow in grace. In doing so Christ is the ultimate example, men always are flawed.

Our Lord laid out an example of total self-less-ness( spell check says this is wrong, but it’s what I'm trying to say). I've met good and bad ministers. I've yet to meet one like Christ. But, an imperfect man called of God to do a job that is humanly impossible is quite the task. Only through Christ’s Spirit is spiritual work of any kind done.

But the spiritual work done is first done in the individual. The work can start with a lonely child on a friendless playground (think of David being a shepherd in the middle of nowhere) . In my lonely moments, it’s most often when the Spirit ministers to me. Proverbs says,

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Proverbs 18:24 NIV