Notes About The Poem

We always seem to think if you are a missionary or preacher you should be immune to temptation. Not so. In fact they have so many temptations because they have to be an example to those both in the flock of their church but to everyone else they meet. If they slip even a little bit there are those who are standing in wait to pont their fingers.                                                   Wouldn't it be nice if we all spent so much time sweeping the dirt around our own doorstep we didn't have time to notice anyone else's dirt.

The Plight of the Evangelist

Pity the poor evangelist.
He must always be so perfect.
Not for him the downcast brow,
For fear of it's effect,

On those that he may chance to meet,
Who know of his profession.
A man like him must always greet,
A critical procession.

For friend and foe he must remain,
A beacon in the sky,
To sing his song with glad refrain,
And never dare a sigh;

For if he lets the barrier down,
Even for a moment,
The crowd is sure he's lost his crown,
And thinks his spirit dormant.

We all are made of flesh and blood,
And though some think this odd,
It's hard to stand on a pedestal, Friend,
Even for men of God.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
December 12, 2021 at 4:56 PM
Heh, heh. The 'perfect evangelists' are the ones who rarely draw anyone close... Most of us sinners need to see someone real, who's overcome the temptations we all face on a daily, if not hourly, basis. ~ Just sayin'
Ball Avatar
December 13, 2021 at 8:10 AM
Thank you so much Gershon. God Bless, JB
Laurie Avatar
December 12, 2021 at 2:16 PM
Hello Judy ... yes, no matter who, there will always be critics awaiting - thank you Judy - Lindsay
Ball Avatar
December 12, 2021 at 3:51 PM
Thank you so much Lindsay. Yes people are to quick to criticize each other. God Bless, JB
Horne Avatar
December 12, 2021 at 7:05 AM
LOL, yes, such truth here!
Ball Avatar
December 12, 2021 at 3:47 PM
Thank you so much Jack. God Bless, JB
Mcintosh Avatar
December 11, 2021 at 11:34 AM
This is so wise - so true! It is a hard row to hoe! As my Granny might have said :) This is a great write. Love it. God bless you friend. Love, Gina
Ball Avatar
December 12, 2021 at 3:44 PM
Thank you so much Gina. God Bless, JB
Baker Avatar
December 10, 2021 at 4:25 PM
Yep, I agree the old "speck and mote" story. I liked the poem and the message, Judy. Your Texas friend, Bill
Ball Avatar
December 12, 2021 at 3:36 PM
Thank you so much Bill. God Bless, JB
DiMino Avatar
December 10, 2021 at 1:37 PM
So true! A related subject, I think Catholic priests and nuns should be permitted to marry and have families like everyone else -- just my own opinion.
Ball Avatar
December 10, 2021 at 2:28 PM
I agree my friend. Then they would be better able to counsel families on things like rearing children and marriage. How can you understand a person with a problem in their marriage if you have never been married. Thanks bunches my friend. God Bless, JB
Mcconnell Avatar
December 10, 2021 at 11:12 AM
Great pen Judy, a rather interesting take on an evangelist. Nice rhyme and flow with nice expression too. Hope all is well with you, blessings,Gordon
Ball Avatar
December 10, 2021 at 2:21 PM
Thank you so much Gordon. God Bless, JB
Awtry Avatar
December 9, 2021 at 8:28 AM
Great message here. Isn’t it an irony that folks expect the evangelist to be perfect when his message is — We all need a savior who forgives our sins ?
Ball Avatar
December 9, 2021 at 2:56 PM
Good point. Thanks so much P.S. God Bless, JB
Trifiatis Avatar
December 9, 2021 at 6:48 AM
A profound poem filled with a plethora of truths, dearest Judy! Masterfully written. my friend.
Ball Avatar
December 9, 2021 at 3:13 PM
Thank you so much Demetrios. God Bless, JB
Y. Avatar
December 9, 2021 at 1:20 AM
Hi Judy, There is a good message in your well-written verse. I echo what Tom said. Have a good evening -Alexis
Ball Avatar
December 9, 2021 at 3:04 PM
Thank you so much Alexis. God Bless, JB
Cunningham Avatar
December 9, 2021 at 12:54 AM
Reminds me of the story where men had gathered to stone an adultreress and jesus said, " let he who is without sin cast the first stone" Tom
Ball Avatar
December 9, 2021 at 2:58 PM
Great example. Thanks so much Tom. God Bless, JB
Dietrich Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 3:34 PM
Of course, other religious people commit murder, but it's so shocking when it's clergy!
Ball Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 4:26 PM
It's always shocking when someone who you are supposed to be able to trust shows that they cannot be. God Bless my friend and stay well. JB
Dietrich Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 3:29 PM
so true. What is really sad is when they fall HARD (I watch lots of true crime shows and wow, some of them murder in the name of lust!!!)
Ball Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 4:25 PM
Thank you so much Andrea. God Bless, JB God Bless, JB
Hankins Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 2:18 PM
This is so true, Judy. I would only add (coming from the clergy myself) that they all know the scene upon which they embark, so when temptation comes, they should have equipped themselves with the weapons they need to win the fight. 'Nuff said.
Ball Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 4:22 PM
I agree my friend. Thank you so much . God Bless, JB
Kauffman Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 12:16 PM
True words spoken Judy. Judgement comes easily. A ministry is a mirror of our behavior and demands choices that are beyond challenging. But, I do believe ministry gives us the opportunities to share our challenges when we stumble highlighting opportunities to be living stones building the Kingdom and examples of God's mercy and forgiveness - to share that we will only be perfect when we meet God face to face. Until then we walk together embracing our neighbors. Blessings to you.
Ball Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 4:19 PM
Thank you so much Sam. I agree my friend. God Bless, JB
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 11:21 AM
Hello Judy Ball, yes these people do have a rough time of it. For them it is a battle to be perfect. I think they mange it very well. Hugs,
De Beaulieu Avatar
December 9, 2021 at 11:03 AM
Hello Judy you are welcome. God Bless. Darlene.
Ball Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 4:16 PM
Thank you so much Darlene. God Bless, JB
Poet Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 10:52 AM
Even if we are all fallible, individuals who put themselves in this position should be ideal, setting an excellent example for others to emulate. If everything else fails, it indicates that someone will be in a position to show the way. Judy, you've created a magnificent poem that encompasses a wide range of ideas.
Ball Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 4:11 PM
Thank you so much Lasaad. God Bless, JB
Buhagiar Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 9:17 AM
A preacher has to be perfect. Of course being human he might occasionally falter, but that's what repentance is there for. Loved your poem. ~~
Ball Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 4:07 PM
Thank you so much Victor. God Bless, JB
Lane Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 8:59 AM
Our imperfections allow us to give in to temptations. We fall from that pedestal, but rise in repentance, we must. God forgives. So we move on, dust our feet and move on from those who point accusing fingers. A grand spiritual write, Judy.
Ball Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 4:01 PM
Thank you so much Lin. God Bless, JB
Rodrigues Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 8:23 AM
We all fall short. Even perfect Lord and Savior had people trying to find fault. Thankfully God knows this and when we walk the walk with the Holy Spirit, we will change lives with seeds, water and the Son! Great write! Oh how I feel inadequate yet those the Lord sends my way, perhaps hear what THEY need most. (I’m counting on that, Lord!)
Ball Avatar
December 8, 2021 at 3:58 PM
Thank you so much Kim. God Bless, JB
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