One of the most memorable things H.B. said last night was that every church has joy suckers. Joy Suckers maintain the uncanny ability to find something wrong with just about everything. Nothing is every good enough. They constantly complain to the pastor and are always finding fault.
If you are not careful and spend too much time around the joy suckers, you start to buy into their negative perceptions and ideology. Pastors must intentionally surround themselves with positive people who are full of faith. It's not that you want to live in a bubble, but you must choose to think positive thoughts. Paul said "whatever is noble, pure right ... think on these things."
Paul also said, "Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice." It's hard to rejoice when you are walking around with your head down. You can't smile with a frown on your face. You can't rejoice when you are being critical of others. Paul said, chose to be positive. Don't let your circumstances, regardless of how negative or difficult they may be, determine your outlook. When you walk into a room, you should light it up not empty it out. Don't be a joy sucker. Be a joy giver. Thanks H.B.
