At What Price?

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Reading this morning in 1 Kings 16, about Hiel of Bethel who rebuilt Jericho -- a tremendous accomplishment -- but at what price?

v 34 -- "He laid its foundations at the cost of his firstborn son, Abiram, and he set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son, Segub."

He sacrificed his family on the altar of success.

Comments

  1. Anonymous8:08 AM

    So did God, but His goal was worthy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous10:52 AM

    Too many pastors have sacrificed their children for the church. There are a lot of hurting and bitter pastors kids everywhere.

    A pastor shouldn't get so busy taking care of God's children that he neglects his own

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous12:36 PM

    Do you think this might be the reason Catholics prefer priests and nuns being single so they can devote all their time to God?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous12:38 PM

    God did not bless a pastor's family with children so the kids could be neglected!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Mark O Wilson2:28 PM

    Although I understand why the Catholic Church has taken this stand on marriage and the ministry, I believe the protestants have a better grasp on it.

    For instance, when I preach, I speak, not only as a pastor -- but as a dad and a husband. I understand the challenges of balancing work and family -- just like all the other dads in my congregation.

    Taking family time keeps me sane and healthy. I have a stronger ministry because of my family.

    Minsitry is very demanding -- but at the same time, there are lots of positives for PK's. They have had experiences and opportunities that a lot of other kids have never had.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous8:03 PM

    AMEN, Mark!!

    LisaK

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous8:15 PM

    Mark has a point. All aspects of his life make him a stronger better Christian pastor.

    Just as we have fathers who neglect their families at home, we also have pastors who neglect their families at church.

    It is up to the individual as to how he treats those God has so richly blessed him with, be it a wife and kids or a congregation.

    All of us will be judged as to how we treated those God sent our way.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous9:26 AM

    Pastors who neglect their families and/or their vocation are just like others who think they do not have to be accountable for their actions. Sadly, they are wrong. We will all have to answer not only for what we do, but for what we do not do.

    ReplyDelete

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