Celibacy is far from the...
Illustration
Celibacy is far from the pattern of choice among moderns. When I was at the seminary, it was a good-natured joke that your "marketability" as a candidate for parish ministry was considerably enhanced if you were married when you left the seminary.
In contrast to that, one of the leading pastor/theologians among Lutherans in the contemporary American church worked for years among the poorest of the poor in one of New York City's worst slums. He was candid when reminding fellow clergy he would not have taken wife and child into so tough a neighborhood. But the "gift of his celibacy" enabled a powerful ministry there.
Saint Paul knew something about the merits of such a gift. He illustrated it in his own life and ministry.
In contrast to that, one of the leading pastor/theologians among Lutherans in the contemporary American church worked for years among the poorest of the poor in one of New York City's worst slums. He was candid when reminding fellow clergy he would not have taken wife and child into so tough a neighborhood. But the "gift of his celibacy" enabled a powerful ministry there.
Saint Paul knew something about the merits of such a gift. He illustrated it in his own life and ministry.
