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Can we be too introspective?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by 12strings, Oct 29, 2011.

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  1. 12strings

    12strings Active Member

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    We had a student chaplain at my college (a few years ago) who, as a regular part of his messages, would basically mope (I don't know any other word for it). He would speak about how he was so discouraged when he saw his own sin, and say things like, "I'm no good," "I probably shouldn't even be the chaplain," "I don't know if this message is doing you any good, but I'm just being honest with you guys. I don't want to be a hipocrite and act all happy. [not exact words, but that's the general sentiment].

    2 questions:

    1. Is this line of thinking biblical humility, or does it fail to see and accept the total forgiveness offered by the gospel?

    2. If I as a pastor or worship leader am actually feeling this way some Sunday, is it appropriate to let my depressed demeanor come through in my sermon/speaking, so as to be "honest." Or does it better serve the congregation if I try to try to deal with God before the sermon the best I can, but if I'm still feeling "down", try to preach with confidence that God can use my words, and try to encourage the congregation to hope in God, even if I'm having a bad day? (Some would say this is deceptive).

    I favor the second course of action, but what are your thoughts?
     
    #1 12strings, Oct 29, 2011
  2. mandym

    mandym New Member

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    When speaking publicly whether preaching or anything else personal emotion can prop up the words or distract. When you attach self worth in the manner listed above it will usually distract from the real message and the focus now becomes about the speaker rather than the message.

    When I hear words like listed above I struggle to believe they are genuine. And if they are then he needs to get himself out of the way. It has been said when we deliver the Word of God we can either show the people ourselves or Christ. But never both.
     
    #2 mandym, Oct 29, 2011
  3. freeatlast

    freeatlast New Member

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    I agree the second is how it should be handled, but it should be a rare occasion, not the norm. I would add if this is a regular issue then the person needs to step down until what ever is causing this is overcome.
     
    #3 freeatlast, Oct 29, 2011
  4. joey

    joey Member

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    Yes we can definitely be too introspective. I have a strong tendency towards this. Only consciously focusing on Jesus instead of my faults is what helped me overcome this battle with this part of my flesh.

    I think that student chaplain needed a quiet talking to at the time. That kind of personal testimony is perfect in the PAST tense. "I USED to feel so bad, I USED to do this..... BUT through GOD I overcame this..."

    That would give hope to people struggling with discouragement or depression. Instead he could have made some people feel that they might always feel that way no matter how much they believe in God.
     
    #4 joey, Oct 29, 2011
  5. Arbo

    Arbo Active Member
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    My (cynical side) first impression would be that he's being theatrical and needs to grow up a bit before going into the ministry.
     
    #5 Arbo, Oct 29, 2011
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