A lot of people who read this blog are pastors, and for that I am tremendously grateful.

I have seen pastors and their responsibility since I was a little child. With only a few minor exceptions, the pastors I have known have been exemplary people.

While being a pastor is a difficult responsibility, we pastors need to look at it in a more positive light. I was reminded of this yesterday morning when a pastor friend sent me a text from 1 Peter 5:2–4 which reminds us not only of the great responsibilities but also the tremendous blessings that come with being a pastor.

Here are three things I want to remind myself of and also my fellow pastors.

First, I want to remind us that it is a great responsibility to serve the Lord and His church. The word pastor comes from the word Shepherd. The shepherd has sheep for whom he is responsible.

It’s an apt word picture because sheep need a lot of care. There are many things sheep can’t do, such as finding food or water or protecting themselves.

Having the care of souls is a weighty responsibility. We are called to encourage people in the ways of God and give them direction for this life and for eternity. Therefore, we should not take it lightly.

Second, I want to remind pastors that this is what we “get to” do rather than what we “have to” do. Studying and preaching Scripture and caring for the church is a magnificent blessing.

I’ll be the first to admit that it is sometimes hard to ever reach the “get to” part. For one thing, the constant responsibility to speak, prepare, write, and generally give leadership can be a daunting task.

We need to go back to that initial experience of call to remember how wonderful it was and how eager we were to preach the gospel and get to lead the church. We truly need to get back to the “get to” experience.

Third, I want to remind us that there are blessings that come with being a pastor that no one else experiences.

This is where my pastor friend who texted me 1 Peter 5:2–4 comes in.

“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you . . . ,Watch over it willingly . . . because you are eager to serve God . . . lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor” ‭‭(1 Peter‬ ‭5:2-4‬, NLT)‬‬.

I want to remind us all that attitude determines most everything. To help us we need to read these verses again and meditate upon the tremendous blessings that come from being a preacher of the gospel.

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