I just  read Bob Gass’s devotional to pastors.

After 32 years in pastoral  ministry, it helps to remember who you are and what your purpose is and not get distracted .

“Do your own work well…don’t compare yourself with others.” Galatians 6:4 CEV

“Don’t let it happen to you .
Sally Morgenthaler writes; “Pastors are seen as givers, not takers…shepherds, counselors who visit the sick and weep with the bereaved…if someone dies while the pastor’s on vacation, he comes home. But here’s the reality; a well-meaning pastor can work 80-hour weeks…and still not be able to please his flock. When [he] works hard only to be rewarded with conflict and dissatisfaction, the unrelenting disappointment can push even the most idealistic well-balanced clergy to believe he deserves better. Entrepreneurial church wisdom says a pastor must be…a risk-taker…innovator…spiritual guide…top-of-the-heap speaker…and if [he] doesn’t have the…sole-visionary style…he’ll become someone else, invalidate and dismiss his own gifts…God-given leadership style…strengths and passions…to emulate the large church pastor he’s admired from afar.” Do you recognize yourself in any of this?
Pastor, try to realize this: the enemy wants you to (1) conform to outside expectations; (2) compare yourself to others. In fact, if you’ve lost your joy it’s probably due to one of those two things. The Psalmist says, “Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top” (Ps 37:7 TM). And Paul adds, “Do your own work well…don’t compare yourself with others.” God knew exactly what He was doing when He made you who you are! Again Paul writes, “What right have you…to say…’Why did you shape me like this?’…a potter can do what he likes with the clay!” (See Ro 9:20-21 TM). Instead of struggling to be something you’re not, ignore your critics and build on who you are.”

Pastor Steve