Botton, Alain de - Status Anxiety

[Chuck Millhuff]

This book by Alain de Botton is one of the most penetrating I have read in a very long time. I must admit this is very true with me. You would think that by now my anxiety would be burned out by my Christ but this is a real problem still at . . . . oh well as old as I am.

[Gina Stevenson]

seeing this book recommendation in posts today reminded me of yet another huge folder I lost in a computer crash ... it was full of REVIEWS/RECOMMENDATIONS. :(

Oh, well ... at least we have a book forum here where I can pick up some of them, even tho' those lost before this forum are lost-lost. ;)

BTW, this title sounds as if its re someone taking their self-worth from what they do ... from how they feel others esteem that particular position, etc. Title interpreted correctly?

[William Hunter]

I think we see alot of this in the church. I watch fellow pastors at times almost climb over each other to be seen with a GS. I've watched some of the same thing with pastor's when the DS is around. It seems they are looking for more recognition, larger churches, positions of power, or consideration for some DS post. Over these more than 32 yrs. of ministry I cannot even begin to count the number of times when the first words out of a fellow pastor's mouth were, "How many did you have Sunday?" And then we see the process of one-upmanship take place. What sad things these are.

I have come to great peace about this some yrs. ago. God called me to where I pastor. He has gifted me for this ministry and equipped me to lead well here. I do not have to impress one single human being. I know that the other pastors on my dist. are not gifted to, or called to, minister here. And since I answer only to God and not the politics of the church, I can rest in Him and be the very best He equips me to be. Yes, I remain faithful to our statement of belief, etc., but it is God I answer to. How sad it is to see the stress of status anxiety in fellow pastor's lives. How peaceful it is to rest in Him and just do what He called me to do. When we are full of status anxiety we really are not fully present in our current ministry. My people deserve a pastor who is fully present and not using emotinally energy looking elsewhere. It is only when I am fully present where I am called, that I can do what God has called me to do. I think status anxiety may be the result of a little too much of the world's value system being in us/or ego that needs submission, rather than the fullest transformation of the mind that is in mind in Rom. 12:1-2.

These are just my personal insights but I've seen eoungh over these years of ministry to see some truth in them.

[Chuck Millhuff]

A comparitive spirit is very toxic.

[Rich Hudson]

Thanks very much for this thread. William, your comments brought to mind a time years ago when John David Hicks was with us for a series of meetings. All week long he reminded me of this verse:

"We do not dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend
themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare
themselves with themselves, they are not wise." 2 Cor 10:12 NIV

When I am tempted in this vein I remember him repeating over and over that it isn't wise to compare ourselves with others too.

I rarely have spoken to or have been spoken to by a GS. But one of my favorite moments was when one introduced himself just before a district assembly service, dressed in dockers and a sportcoat, by his first name. It was really real.

[Chuck Millhuff]

I have always tried to use my influence, if I have any to the glory of God and the up building of a fellow or fellow sister in the Lord. I have always eaten out in the dinning hall a few meals when at a camp meeting leaving the worker's dinning room, etc. Being left out is painful. Those that are further up the line in spiritual matters than I do not worry about this at all but I am not there yet by a long shot. What you think about me does matter a lot. You can hurt me with a look. I have Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD) so I am crippled to start with. So be my friend and you will have given me a great gift ! But please read the book.

[Rich Hudson]

Back in the early 80's I was a student at MVNC when you (Chuck) came to speak in chapel. Afterwards a number of religion majors had the pleasure of sitting down with you in a smaller setting and had an informal conversation. It was a rich time. I can't tell you what you preached that day or recall the text, but I remember how open you were to our questions and the warmth of your manner.

I suppose at the time I had you on something of a high pedestal, having heard you preach in camp meeting and then on that day. I came to appreciate you more when I saw your humanity shine through.

Thanks for taking the time to open up then, ... and now.