This was posted by Craig Groeschel.  It's helpful and thought provoking.

Pastor, people are watching you!

One of your challenges may be learning to walk the fine line between responsibility and freedom.

• I pray you have the freedom to make decisions that are best for God’s Kingdom, your family, and your ministry.

• I pray you will feel the responsibility to make wise decisions and be a righteous example.

For example, can a pastor drink alcohol? Clearly it is not a sin to drink (although it is to get drunk). In some parts of the world, a pastor drinking is acceptable and expected. In other parts, many frown on it.

A wise pastor will ask important questions: Could I cause others to stumble? Would it matter if everyone knows? Even though this is okay, is it best?

Your answers will vary. Before you act, wrestle with responsibility versus freedom.

Another example… What kind of car should a pastor drive? Should he drive an expensive car proving the goodness of God? Should he drive a moderate car showing good stewardship? Should he drive a clunker because his treasure is not in this world? (Side note: Many pastors around the world will never own a car.)

Your answers will vary widely… and probably should. Before you act, wrestle with responsibility verse freedom.

Paul said everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial (See 1 Cor. 6:12).

On several occasions and in his book Next Generation Leader, I've heard Andy Stanley talk about leading when you are uncertain. The summary of his talk is, "Make sure you are clear, even when you are uncertain." I've noticed that when I'm uncertain, I'm almost always a bit fearful.  That's because risk is involved -- financial, relational, etc.  It can be dangerous to be uncertain.  In some instances, even fatal -- I'd hate for my surgeon to be uncertain.  But God calls us to live by faith which almost by definition means that I rely on Him in my uncertainty.  Walking by faith is frightening because there is risk involved.  Walking by faith and not by sight is scary.  So when you're prayfully leading and scared at the same time, chances are faith has kicked in.  Good job!