Today’s catch phrase is:

Clean your fishbowl.

Ministry is often described as “life in a fishbowl.” And truly it is, for nothing seems off limits when it comes to the pastor’s family. Often people feel the need to comment on everything they observe, whether or not it concerns them personally. We have even been watched with binoculars in the past and then triumphantly told what they could see through our house windows.

So two reactions come to mind: #1- Run and hide  {or} #2- Clean the fishbowl

I’ve definitely had many times when I wanted to choose “run and hide.” But that option doesn’t last very long. And it sure doesn’t hold water. {pun intended} 🙂

In our early years of ministry, we lived in a parsonage on the top of a hill on an island. The church was a few steps away- a blessing in bad weather! We were well taken care of and enjoyed living in a 5 bedroom house with a spectacular view of the ocean from every window in the house. {You can stop drooling now} 🙂

But as a new wife and a new pastor’s wife, I sometimes felt stressed by the invasion of privacy. It felt as though every detail of our life was available to be commented on because we were so visible. We accepted it as part of island, small town life. And to some extent, this is part of ministry no matter where you live. Your life is a fishbowl.

And like it or not, people watch. They notice. They draw conclusions and make comments and criticisms. So what can we do?

We can clean our fishbowls. We can make sure that we are living a life that is worth watching. We can maintain a Godly testimony by avoiding questionable actions and situations. We can keep an open, genuine relationship with God that compels them to want what we have. I have often said in situations that have arisen “We have nothing to hide. Ask away.” It’s a good feeling to not have any dark secrets that we hope people don’t find out.  Sure, we all have regrets and things that we wish had turned out differently, but in time God heals those things and allows them to be training opportunities instead of things that incriminate us for the rest of our lives.

There’s not a whole lot in Scripture regarding what is expected of a pastor’s wife and other women leaders. But the very basic thing- the least we are required to do is to live a Godly testimony. Endeavor to have a pure life before God and others. Let people look and make comments. Let God look and be well pleased!

So while you’re busy doing housework and ministry work, make it a priority to

Clean your fishbowl.

Let’s Chat: How do you navigate living in a fishbowl? Share your tried and true cleaning products here. 🙂