The following has been blatantly stolen from Thor over at the Thinklings.

Preach the Word. Preach, teach, and minister the Word among your flocks. Sow the Word deeply into their hearts. Encourage, exhort, and guide them in sound doctrine and godliness. Do not be tempted by the allurements of the world, which is in rebellion around you. Stay the course! Remain moored in the safe and reliable harbor of Holy Scripture. Lean on it. Meditate on it. Pray over it. Bow to its authority and bury it deep within your heart. Lead your flock to find rest in it in times of joy and suffering. I plead with you as a fellow soldier in Christ! Do not drift into the unstable waters of pragmatism and human wisdom. Take great pains to teach and model these things. You are a called man of God! An incredible privilege and honor. Hold to this calling with the utmost fear and trembling! You will be persecuted, mocked, and belittled. Worry not, my brother. Rejoice! You are a humble servant of the Living God! Strive to preach and minister the Word of God boldly, unashamedly, and with all humility and love, O shepherd of Christ!

I wonder how often my own pastors need to hear words like this, words of encouragement and fortitude. Thanks Thor!