(Note: Please share this article with your children or grandchildren.)

It is to be expected that our pastors and teachers will repeatedly urge the youth to enter the preaching or teaching ministry. Some young people say that they feel guilty if they choose an occupation other than the public ministry. Such Christians should be relieved to know that the public ministry is not for everyone. James writes: "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment." (3:1)

Who, then, should not become a pastor? Anyone who cannot handle it. If you cannot handle the joy of baptizing a baby, knowing that the Holy Spirit has entered her heart and that she is now a child of God; if you cannot handle the delight of watching a toddler come down the aisle after church and reach up his little hand to shake yours, because you are his pastor; if you cannot handle the joy of joining a bride and groom in a lifelong journey of blessedness; if you cannot handle the privilege of sharing with converts the wonderful truths that God has shared with you; if you cannot handle the happiness of bringing the life-sustaining words of God to a congregation of expectant souls; if you cannot handle the gladness of giving bread and wine to people who are hungering for the reassurance of God's love and forgiveness, knowing, at the same time, that Jesus Christ is standing beside you, giving them His body and blood; if you cannot handle the blessed privilege of bringing comfort to the Christians who are suffering because of guilt or sickness or grief; if you cannot handle the wonder of bidding farewell to Christians departing this life, knowing that they are about to join their Savior in heavenly glory; if you can't handle such things, then you shouldn't become a pastor.

You should not become a teacher if you cannot handle the wonder in a child's eyes, as you tell her about the love that Jesus has for her; if you cannot handle the love found in comforting a child who is in tears; if you cannot handle the joy of watching a child grow in his knowledge of God; if you cannot handle the pleasure of watching your students stand before the congregation and publicly confess their faith in Jesus, then you shouldn't become a teacher.

You should not become a pastor or teacher if you cannot handle the thrill of standing at the gates of heaven and seeing those whom you served pass through the gates and into the presence of their loving God.

Perhaps, now, you are thinking that, maybe, you want to experience these joys, pleasures, and privileges; but you wonder if you have the talents for this. Know this: God is the Giver of gifts and talents. At the right time and for the particular need, He will give you the gifts that you need, just as He did for young Timothy (2 Timothy 1:6).

Of course, we realize that God gives different gifts to different people for different callings. If your gifts take you somewhere other than the public ministry, go there and serve the Lord with gladness. And, while you are serving, support and encourage those who are serving as shepherds for the sheep and lambs of Christ's flock. Add to their joy. Above all, pray for guidance.

"Lord Jesus, lead me into Your service, whatever my earthly calling may be, and help me to highly regard the public ministry of the Gospel, because this is Your gift to us all. If it is Your will, direct me into the public ministry for Your name's sake. Amen."

"This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the office of an overseer [that is, pastor], he desires a good work." (1 Timothy 3:1 Modern English Version)

You should not become a pastor or teacher if you cannot handle the thrill of standing at the gates of heaven and seeing those whom you served pass through.

John Pfeiffer is retired from the pastoral and teaching ministry. He is a former president of Immanuel Lutheran College.