Clergy Quandary

This morning I worked on a sermon focusing on pride, which I will be preaching in October.  In that process,  I recognized clearly all my own pride vulnerabilities, or at least some of them.   Everyone has pride, of course, perhaps to varying degrees.

This afternoon,  I officiated at a funeral.  Funerals are a unique challenge for clergy.  I remember one time when I was doing a funeral with another pastor and we were in the office together before the service, that pastor said to me:  "I just love funerals."   I probably would not have said that out loud,  but I certainly understood what he meant.  For a clergy person, a funeral is a place where we can lead the people in celebration of our faith.  We are, after all, resurrection people, so death is only a temporary detour. It is a chance to offer hope and assurance, to share your conviction and belief in eternal life.

I do enjoy officiating at funerals, because I believe that I have a special God-given gift for putting together a service that honors the person who has died, comforts the family, and often brings both laughter and tears.

My quandary is this: Is is prideful for me to be glad to have such a gift?   I don't think having that gift makes me better than someone else;  perhaps just uniquely able to do that one thing.  Not everyone is appreciative of 'that one thing'.  I remember once speaking at a funeral.  There was a man in the front row.  I don't remember if his words came at the beginning or at the end, but he said to me clearly, and with some obvious contempt:  "How can you do this?"

Because I am called and gifted.  My desire is to bring honor and glory to God.   But truthfully,  I do enjoy accolades.  I appreciate positive feedback and kind remarks.

Am I filled with pride or humility?  Both.  Sometimes one, sometimes the other.  Saint and sinner.  Both.  For such is the nature of humanity.