Things Will Get Better . . . or Worse!

By Cal Jernigan

(From our series “The Best or Worst Advice I”ve Ever Received.”)

The best ministry advice I have ever received has to do with putting things in perspective. The simple advice was captured in one little sentence: “Things are never as good as you think they are, and things are never as bad as you think they are.”Â 

While it might initially sound a tad pessimistic, it”s anything but. When things are good, it”s easy to be euphoric and to exaggerate the significance and impact of what you”re celebrating. It feels so good and it feels so right. 

When things seem bad, it”s equally easy to exaggerate the impact and significance of what”s bumming me. It feels so bad and it feels so wrong. This advice has taught me to lead with a steadier hand and to be less given to the sway of emotions and feelings.

This advice was shared with me years ago by Glen Elliott, a lifelong friend who has a heart for the ministry. Glen serves as senior pastor of Pantano Christian Church in Tucson, Arizona.

Cal Jernigan serves as senior pastor with Central Christian Church of Arizona.