I was informed by a well intentioned church member several years ago that as a minister I do not live in the real world. I think I know what he meant. His perception of my life as a minister is that I office in a church building. I deal with good Christian people through the course of my day. I don’t have supervisors or co-workers cusssing me, or telling off color jokes.
I just don’t live in the real world in his estimation! I still wanted to laugh. There are aspects of my job of which he has no apparent awareness.

I spend a lot of time visiting people in the hospital. In some instances, I am serving people whose loved ones are critically ill. Even fine Christian people struggle with all kinds of life issues. Ministers are on the front lines, as those concerns come to light. There are years that I officiate or attend over 40 funerals. Dealing with death is a big part of a minister’s daily experience. It will never be easy or simple.

Recently I assisted a law enforcement agency with a death that occurred outside of a hospital context. The police call such events “DOS” calls. That is the abbreviation for “Dead on Scene.”
I prefer to refer to them as “Unattended Deaths.” When called out to such a situation, I never know what I am going to face, or what kind of people I will be serving. I have been called a few choice names in past years! And I have met some really gracious people as well.

During this event that took place not long ago, I was serving people who are making lifestyle choices that of which I cannot approve. I would say they are making a number of lifestyle choices that I think are clearly wrong. My officer friends would say the same thing, but would likely express it more directly. It is not easy ministering in such a situation. It is awkward. I find myself having to think on my feet, and make split second choices that have significant implications.

My philosophy over the years is to treat everyone the same to the very best of my ability. I think that is the right thing to do. There is no room for self righteousness. Judging the behavior of others does not prompt positive change. That does not mean that I condone ungodly behavior.

I still think it is important to live by our convictions. I still believe there is such a thing as absolute truth. But I do need to be reminded that I am not in friendly waters when serving people who truly are living in darkness. It is not a good idea to become comfortable or careless. I can’t let my guard down. If I ever become comfortable in a dark world, I will lose my moral bearings, and forget who I am.

I am eager to serve all kinds of people in kinds of situations, but I still find it a challenge. I find that I have to ask myself: What do I believe and why? Balancing compassion and conviction is no simple task. It would be easier to choose the more secure path of serving only those who share similar convictions and life choices. I refuse to take that path of least resistance, because that is not living in the real world…How about you? What world are you living in today?