Do you want to be shepherded? Do you desire a heart and soul-searching pastoral paradigm that is serious about sin and sanctification? Do you prefer instead to “feel” good and entertained?
How shall we know that we love the reproofs of the Word?
- “When we desire to sit under a heart-searching ministry. Who cares for medicines that will not work? A godly man does not choose to sit under a ministry that will not work upon his conscience.”
- “When we pray that the Word may meet with our sins. If there is any traitorous lust in our heart, we would have it found out and executed. We do not want sin covered, but cured. We can open our breast to the bullet of the Word and say, ‘Lord, smite this sin.’”
- “When we are thankful for a reproof . . . . So, when we are in the mouth of sin, as of a lion, and the minister by a reproof shoots this sin to death, shall we not be thankful? A gracious heart rejoices when the sharp lance of the Word has pierced his abscess . . . . It is convincing preaching which must do the soul good. A nipping reproof prepares for comfort, as a nipping frost prepares for the sweet flowers of spring.”~ Thomas Watson, The Godly Man’s Picture (1666)
If God is not feared, man will be. The one who loves others most is the one who knows most from what they have been forgiven (Luke 7:47), and that requires conviction.
Beloved, find a pastor who will shepherd your soul.