Got A Lot Of Praying To Do

As you know, my grandfather, Preacher Edd Spencer, (I called him Paw) was a very popular Baptist preacher in Knoxville back in the 1940s through the early 70's, before he passed away from cancer in 1972. He only pastored at 3 churches, Highland Baptist (which he founded), House Mountain Baptist, and North Acres Baptist (which he also founded). He also preached many revivals at churches and tent meetings all across the Knoxville area.

A situation lately got me to thinking about a story that my mother told me one time concerning my late grandfather. I hope I tell this right...

One Sunday morning, the church had a special day where members would pin a flower on someone to show how much they loved and appreciated them. Well, it seems that Preacher Spencer had flowers pinned on him from head to toe by everyone in the whole church. Folks were coming up and telling him how much they loved him and how thankful they were that he was their pastor, etc. and he left that day feeling like the luckiest and happiest pastor in the world. But, he said it wasn't a week later those same folks that loved him so much, were wanting to rip those flowers off and just stick the pins into him! Yikes!

I've had similar experiences. In my years of being a music minister/worship leader, I have had folks tell me that they just love me to death, they are so happy that I'm their choir leader, they just appreciate me so much. But, let the least little old thing happen and those same people ready to crucify me. My mother is always quick to remind me that Jesus says that we are supposed to pray for our enemies:  Matthew 5:44-45 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 

I've got a lot of praying to do!