Spoudazo (σπουδάζω) is an interesting New Testament verb that signifies "to hasten to do a thing, to exert oneself, to endeavour, and to give diligence”. It signifies, “With speed”. It refers to doing something with effort and quickly. (Its pronounced Spoo-dadz-o)
Hastiness in our walk with Christ is usually not a good thing. In fact in scripture we are told in various ways to “Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him:”
And also not being self-willed and having restraint are qualities and qualifications of the pastor. But sometimes your pastor may need to hasten to do something with speed. The situation may ‘demand’ it. God’s leading in the heart of the man may require it. Pastor Roy Branson says that sometimes the only way to explain this behavior is that the man is called of God. And discernment, his knowledge of the Word, and the promptings of God move the man “with speed.”
The writer of Hebrews used this word when he said “Let us labour (Spoudazo) therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.” (Heb. 4:11) How were these Hebrew believers going to do this? By diligent study of the Word of God; by Studying “with speed” to enter into God’s rest.
“For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Peter used the word when he said “Moreover I will endeavour (Spoudazo) that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.” I will study and preach “with speed”, with due diligence, so that you can stand on your own two feet when I’m gone.
And when he said “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence (Spoudazo) to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”
And “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent (Spoudazo) that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.”
Paul used it in Ephesians 4:3 “Endeavouring (Spoudazo) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Sometimes to keep peace one may have to act quickly in response to persecution, oppression, or conflict.
It must be done with wisdom and sometimes it also must be done with Spoodadzo.
So what is the young pastor, or layman for that matter, supposed to do when he doesn’t know what to do? As Paul told young Timothy “Study (Spoudazo) to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
When the situation is urgent, pray and study, then when the answer comes. “Endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Layman, don’t be too critical, or even better, don’t be critical of the man of God at all, when he seems to act rashly standing up for the sheep in response to a ‘bully’. Sometimes the situation merits it. If he is wrong and is indeed acting rashly don’t you know his Boss is aware of it.
Hastiness in our walk with Christ is usually not a good thing. But Jesus also said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
It’s likely your pastor is willing, following Jesus’ example, to lay down his tenure, his reputation, his very life if need be for the health of the sheep that he has been called to shepherd. This is the pastor’s heart.
It is to face off with bear, and lion, and even to ‘take down Goliath’ for the life of the sheep. If he is near to God then rest assured that God has given him an intuitive knowledge of what must be done in any given situation.
I am beginning a series of posts entitled “Give the Pastor Wiggle~Room” in response to a question that was asked of me several times by a great man of God with whom I had the privilege of serving under and beside for over twenty-two years.
He asked me, “Why in all these years have you never given me any trouble?” I hope to break this answer down to bite-sized-bits for others so they can come alongside and help their pastors and so they will not be too critical of them.
When we do this,
as Barnabas did with Paul,
and later with John Mark,
(although I don't encourage conflict)
What you are endeavoring to keep remember
is unity in the Spirit
and peace.
When we do this Jesus will increase in the church,
And we will decrease in our sensitiveness and self-importance.
“He must increase, WE must decrease!”
Look for New Posts Labeled ~ “Wiggle-Room”; I will share my personal study on this topic as the Lord leads.
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