Pastoring is the source of much joy!

Hopefully, you have come to realize that the greatest joys in life don't come when you are focused upon yourself. As much as folks think that fame, fortune and success can satisfy that deep down emptiness inside of them, those things just don't deliver. They are dead end roads. Real joy comes when you realize that you've made a positive difference in someone else's life.

Pastoring provides innumerable opportunities to make that positive difference in others.

When you are walking the halls at church and see that married couple holding hands as they smile at each other, your heart leaps for joy. You know that a few months earlier they were in your office saying that they were headed for divorce. Your biblical, caring counsel gave them hope.

When you see that widow sitting in her pew as you preach, you realize that things are not as they seem. While everyone around her suspects that her life is just fine, you realize that she has spent much time with you as she grapples with the memory of a husband who abused her and a God who allowed it to happen. That's not to mention the guilt she feels decades after having an abortion. Yet, you've seen improvements as you have provided counsel, care and information on other resources that can help her experience God's healing.

When you see that young man who has just surrendered his life to full-time ministry, you are overwhelmed with God's goodness. You realize that you have spent much time teaching him God's Word and mentoring him. You saw God's hand on him, you took the risk to pour your life into him, and now he's ready to be used by God. The fact that you played a small part in what God is doing in him provides such incredible satisfaction.

You see the family driving off the church's parking lot after church services and you are happy. That family hasn't had significant trouble (that you know of) but they trust the leadership of the church and believe that it is a great place to call "home" as they live their lives for Jesus. You know that the healthy, Bible-centered, Christ-exalting culture that has taken years to develop in your congregation is exactly what is meeting their deepest needs. And you smile.

This list could go on and on. There are a multitude of reasons for joy when you shepherd men and women, boys and girls and realize that you have an opportunity to point them to Jesus and help to make their lives at least a little bit better. Icing on the cake is when you consider that if you've done it with right motives, God will reward you for these actions on the Day of Judgment.