Why must it be that way?

I was talking with  my husband (Let's call him Revy) some friends yesterday and we were having the discussion about how a preacher and his wife are held to a higher standard when it comes to what we say and do.  Quietly, I asked myself, "Why must it be that way?"

Well, I think a lot of times, people in the church put the preacher and his wife upon a pedestal, just because he is the preacher and he is "feeding the congregational sheep"...and me being his wife, I am thrown in the mix.  However, we should not be placed upon a pebble, much less a pedestal.  We are sinners just like everyone else in the church and in the world, for that matter.  We make mistakes just like everyone else, but I sometimes feel like we are not allowed to make mistakes.  For Pete's sake, we ain't Jesus...so we are going to screw up and say things or do things that are not "perfect".  I know preacher's say the line, "I am only human" more than once in their ministry, however there has never been a more true statement.  His job is a calling by God, just as your profession is a calling by God, as well.  Furthermore, just because you don't have Rev. in front of your name...doesn't mean you are not called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It is probably a good time to stop and say that these statements in no way reflect anything within my church or any specific person within my church.  These are just things I have noticed in our short time in the ministry (All preacher's and their families go through the same stuff, they just don't want to talk abut it).  We have a wonderful church with wonderful people. 

My husband doesn't tell me everything that goes on in the church.  A lot of people think that because I am his wife, he shares everything in regards to church business with me.  Not so.  I actually like it that way.  He tells me what I NEED to know, nothing more.  Some preacher's may be completely open with their wives...and I believe that is why many of their wives are labeled as gossipers...because they know EVERYTHING!  The less I know, the less I can get accused of saying, I guess.

My husband is only been in a pastoral role for two years (he was in youth ministry for five years prior), but it seems that we have learned a lifetime of lessons that have made us better servants of the Lord.  I am thankful for the calling on my life, even though it is sometimes hard and it makes you want to throw your hands up...I know that it is for a greater purpose.  The good of the ministry far outweighs the bad.  When you see someone come to know the Lord, the little stuff takes a back seat...and isn't that what it is all about?

I so have to share this...when Revy read my first post, he asked, "Were you mad when you set up that blog?"  I couldn't help but chuckle.  For the record, I was not mad.  I just want to be honest...I want to be real.  My life is an open book to those that know me...why not those that do not know me, as well?  Being someone you are not is why so many have turned away from God and the Christian church has become a joke to many people.  I want people to see that I am just like them, I just happen to be a preacher's wife...a not-so-perfect preacher's wife.