Life in proper perspective
Dear Louisiana Leaders,
As I was pulling into the parking lot of the South Lafourche Church in Galliano this week to be with Jonah Dardar, I received a text to pray for my brother in Oklahoma who is critically ill. In those moments everything stops, and life is put in proper perspective. It’s made me pray harder this week for you because I know we all walk in difficult times and get those emotional calls of need. Please know we are praying, and you are welcome to connect with us with any prayer need.
Praying also for you and your leadership. Our leadership team has recently walked through the dismissal of two of our credentialed leaders, which is always a grievous time. In those times of dealing with the results of decisions and behavior I am always looking for better ways to encourage, to pray, and to support all our credentialed leaders. Through these last encounters with failure, I feel a prompting to send a few thoughts to you in way of a godly reminder.
A godly reminder
- You are a target. You represent the Kingdom of God for so many people, so your demise and destruction will cause a domino effect. God has placed you in an area of influence and given you a voice of authority. Please walk every day with the understanding that you are in a war. This battle must be won and can be won when we practice the biblical standards of warfare. Stay focused soldier.
- Pride destroys. We all know the multiple verses about the effects of Pride, and we all know the gravitational pull of selfish behavior. John called it the “pride of life” in
Can we stop with shirtless gym selfies on social media? Can we be more determined to defend the Bible than our opinion? Can “I” be removed as the focus of attention? I have seen pride as the common denominator that caused leaders to engage profane language, hostile actions, abandon sound doctrine and develop corrupt morals. I pray for God to open our eyes and give us a revival of modesty, humility, and a mindset of selflessness. - Accountability is only effective when practiced in honesty. No amount of so-called accountability will work if we are not able to practice honesty. Saying “I am accountable” to a list of people, and denying their advice in moments of trouble is not accountability. Saying “I am accountable” and not opening up to the struggles, mistakes, and battles I am fighting is not accountability. Develop those relationships that can provide accountability in your life, and then in those difficult times... run to that relationship that will provide help, counsel, correction, and perspective (accountability), not from it.
- Leaders, we still believe in abstinence. Refraining from alcohol is our leadership culture. We have not changed. We have not altered our view because of “how many other denominations” engage in “social drinking.” If our stance is confusing, you can let us know so we can walk through any questions.
Who over what
Leaders, I speak for our entire network leadership team and area Presbyters: We Love you. We are here to serve you and help you. We are fighting for you and believing with you. Stay focused on Jesus, the ultimate “Who”. I know you sow a mountain of effort into “What” you are building in the Kingdom, but my prayer is “What” NEVER replaces “Who” ... and the “Who” is always Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Scott
Dr. J. Scott Holmes
P.O. Box 346
Woodworth, LA 71485
318.445.6238