My wife and I have a continual conversation about the people in our Church. This conversation has led us to a few simple truths that we repeat to each other almost daily.

First – We cannot control the actions of others. No matter how poorly we think the decisions they are making, we have no control, and all we can do is point them in the right direction.

Second – They will have to answer to God for their lives. All we can do is preach, teach, and disciple in the ways of Jesus. They will be held accountable for what they did with their time, talent, and resources.

Third – We will also answer to God for what we did. We are trying to do everything possible to help people on their walk with Jesus. God knows we are trying our best even when people ignore us.

Fourth – We have to let things go for us to stay healthy. This is by far the most challenging thing we do. Sometimes, we watch people mess up their lives, lead their children in painful directions, and waste their time and talent. But at the end of the day, we have to let it go emotionally, or it will kill us.

Both my wife and I love people deeply and want to see them live like Jesus. Few of them do, and watching it all transpire is one of the most significant challenges in ministry.