Pray for Pastor Rick Warren
I don't know Pastor Rick Warren personally, but his writings and ministry have been a great blessing to my life and ministry. Maybe you feel the same way.As you may know, Pastor Warren's son recently committed suicide. On top of this tragic loss has been some negative talk about Warren in social media and even among some circles of Christian media and especially online forums--which drives traffic to these websites like the gossip that sells tabloid magazines at the supermarket.
There are always people who view personal tragedy as a kind of sign of God's disfavor or judgment. There are believers who never "forgave" him for offering prayer at President Obama's first inaugural--as if a sin was committed.
Misguided Christians can be the most cruel of all people.
Ironically, our Christian culture in some ways has become most unbiblical. When we are not ignoring the "least of these," we are chasing after Christian celebrities. When we are not bowing down to become pawns for a political party, we've got our heads stuck in the sand, running into our own closets to avoid "controversies" like same-sex marriage or banning combat-style weapons.
In many ways, Pastor Warren serves as "America's Pastor." He continues to do great work for his congregation, for God's kingdom and our world. He has taken principled stands on many issues and been a non-politically partisan voice for God in our times.
It is important to intercede in prayer for Pastor Warren, his wife, and family over the next several weeks.
Pray that the peace of God will surround his heart and mind. Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Pray for "our" pastor.