Be Careful Who You Let Sit In The Front Row

 

Years ago I heard a famous pastor say these words, and I have never forgotten them.  Speaking to a room filled with other pastors and ministry leaders he said this, “Be careful who you let sit in the front row of your congregations.  Their negative spirit can actually hinder the Spirit’s anointing on the message.”

I’ve thought about those words a lot since I heard then.

And as a speaker myself, I understand them well.

There’s nothing quite like communicating to a crowd of people only to see lifeless souls sitting in the front row.

Of course there are others in the crowd seated more toward the rear who also bring sluggish lethargy that makes the message more difficult to deliver… but there is something about those front-row dwellers that if they aren’t positively engaged, it’s nearly impossible to remain encouraged, let alone strengthened to continue to zeal and passion that once filled your heart to preach a good word.

And it got me thinking.

The same has to be true for our lives.

There are people we have allowed too much access in our lives.

You know the ones.

Those individuals who always bring the negativity.  Always have a harsh word to say.  Nit pick, complain, reject, and downright make it difficult to remain passionate in your pursuit.

I remember excitedly sharing some really good news (to me) with someone I held in high regard in my life… someone I thought would be thrilled for me.  Someone I placed way too much emphasis on their opinion.  But their response was anything but enthusiastic.  Instead, it almost felt like I had become a threat, and I could instantly feel the bristle.

That’s when disappointment set in.
Bitterness took root.
And I even became ashamed, for a bit, that I was feeling so good about my news.

But as it turns out… I was giving way more access to someone who didn’t authentically desire victory for me.

So I tell you the same thing that pastor told his hearers… “Be careful who you let sit in the front row of your life.”

Consider the ones who want God’s best you for.
Go with the ones who point you to Jesus.
Let those who love well occupy the front row and let them fill your bucket - speaking life instead of draining life.

I don’t mean disassociate with them altogether.  Simply choose wisely those who sit close.  The others may unknowingly (or knowingly) distract you, disable you, and deter the work of God in your life.