"Perhaps work or success or self-realization or children or family or ethnic identity or doctrinal purity or social activism or political conviction or even the congregation itself have become as gods for us. These idolatries are quite possible for pastors" (p. 118).He adds that some pastors may have all the "normal" addictive personalities/tendencies: "alcohol or sex or work, to name a few." He adds, "The First Commandment accuses us" (ibid.).
He then points to the Second and Third Commandments (the proper use of God's name and keeping the Sabbath holy). Conscious of their position, the people, what is happening, the clock, etc., no pastor keeps it "real" all the time in worship and leadership, "and many, many pastors fail to come to regular, deep and lively rest" because the very time and place where Luther called the rest of Christianity to come and rest in God's gospel Word of grace is the pastor's "workplace" (p. 119).
"So, dear pastor, creep back to the water. These accusations are true, and they do cast the shadow of your own failure, sin, and death. But united with Christ, your death is already in that water, and you have been forgiven and raised to new life. Hear that word spoken to you" (ibid.)Lathrop continues this pattern through the second table of the Commandments (Honoring parents through not coveting) and finally delivers us back to the same baptismal water. And the Spirit uses this practice of honest reflection on the Commandments followed by confession and absolution to inspire, develop and strengthen our vision and actions in ways that deepens the trustworthiness and joy of our calling.
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