Fake

Recently we had someone speak in our church who was sharing about a certain ministry. 

**As a pastor, I know when we speak or preach our tone or inflection may change. And sometimes even our mannerisms might change somewhat. ** Back to the post...

The man who shared is a pastor himself and was running very late. He was so late that I was rifling through texts in my mind that I could share in his apparent absence. The service started and we were almost done with the songs and offering and in he walked. (I must say at this moment there did not appear to be any humilty, remorse, or embarrassment as he sat down rather smugly.)

I then started rifling (for the 2nd time) of how to introduce this man, if it was indeed our speaker. I then thought that it could be a visitor. What would happen if I introduced him and this person says "I am just visiting"? I knew that I had to decide quickly because the time had come to make an introduction. I started to introduce him and the man says "That's not me................Just Kidding!"

Where some thought it was funny (and showed their approval by their laughter), I grimmaced from embarrassment and his lack of respect. I knew, if not for any other reason, he did that to get the attention off his extreme tardiness. It worked.

The reason for this post is focused on the word fake. As I sat and listened to our speaker share and manipulate the crowd, I grew weary. I watched as he "worked" the crowd and stroked their emotions. All the while, I seethed. I seethed for two reasons:

1. That he would arrogantly come to our church extremely late, make a wise crack to divert attention away from his tardiness, and manipulate our flock; and

2. That many in our church would so naively be swooned or be impressed by his manipulation. 

After the service, he wanted to spend some time talking with me. And I appreciate our conversation. However, the word fake comes to mind because the man/pastor that I spoke with after the service was not the same man who spoke during the service. Why is that? 

Are we as speakers/pastors/preachers a lot different in the pulpit than we are out of the pulpit? If so, could that not be considered as fake?

My goal has always been that I would not act one way in the pulpit while acting another outside the pulpit. Is this unrealistic?

How Do You Discipline Your Children?

Proverbs 19.18- Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.

I hear so much about how we should not spank our children these days. Many seem to be doing the "time out" thing as an alternative. Is it working? Or is it just making things worse? What about restriction? What is your choice of discipline when the offense demands some sort of action?

What I have noticed is the ones who oppose spanking were most likely from a generation that were spanked themselves. Odd!