Walk-the-Walk?
I am not my usual self this morning shuffling from my bedroom out to the kitchen for my mandatory first cup of coffee. The news headlines of the past week are on my mind. A well-known pastor, brought low with his confession of sexual sin. I turn on the TV, then wince as I listen to the news report wondering how my unbelieving husband will perceive this Christian man’s failure. I am discouraged. Sipping my coffee, I open the Word and God brings me to this scripture:
1 Corinthians 10:12 (Amplified Bible)
Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].
I am impressed with this thought: Anyone is capable of anything! Any one of us can fall into sin. God is not shocked about the secret sins in our lives. He sees our well-hidden weaknesses. Patiently, year-after-year, He yearns for us to turn our camouflaged desires completely over to Him for healing and redemption.
The unsaved world is watching. Are we authentic? Will we crumble under pressure? Many are waiting to see if we really walk-the walk or simply talk-the-talk. They secretly hope we will succeed but are expecting failure.
Yes, God can take a wrong and make a right from it. However, we must be careful not to use the forgiveness of God as an excuse for our willful rebellion.
Psalm 139:23 (King James Version)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
Lord, I know I am filled with weaknesses that You are patiently waiting to work out of my life. Search me, humble me and let me turn them over to your compassionate and healing hand. In Jesus name, Amen.
Be encouraged. I am. It is through the supernatural love and power from the Lord, Jesus Christ, that I can walk-the-walk. My unbelieving husband admits, the authentic life of a believer, in spite of their failures, is the most powerful witness to the presence of a loving God.
I have to agree with your hubby :). Failures like the ones of a pastor show what he is still human and that all goodness comes from God and not ourselves. That we need to stay rooted in the vine and not go off on our own. I was shocked at first too, but than King David come to mind — he sinned against God as well (and hurt many others) – but God’s grace was much bigger. So we too have to forgive the sins of our church leaders – God forgives when we repent.
Thank you for your thoughts this morning. Great reminder that we should close to Him and ask Him to lead us…
Absolutely agree! To me, actions speak louder than words. Oh btw I like how you go to the Word first thing in the morning – me too! Sort of sets the tone for the whole day doesn’t it?
A great reminder, makes me think of Ephesians: And when all else fails that you STAND. which is why we go through the effort of daily attending to the full armor. Not necessarily “puttin on” each peice but focusin and making sure we don’t forget to use each throuhout the day. Praise the Lord, that with Him, we need not fall.
At first, I read this news story with a jaded sense of “So what else is new?” Later, the tears came–for him, his wife, and especially his children. Somewhere, I read the following quote which echos what you’ve said above: “De Vries, who is president of the New York Divinity School, said of Haggard: ‘…This is a reminder that we have to be sure that our own lives are coherent with what we say from the pulpit. It’s a reminder to look in the mirror.'” It’s encouraging to know your (unbelieving) husband isn’t completely turned off by this sort of scandal. He’s right–authenticity IS more powerful than perfection. Thanks for your powerful reminder. :~)
Hi Lynn, I’m back to add a little more. I think these public situations bother us the most when they are personalized. Tonight I realized that I am bothered by this scandal because it touches close to home. I had lunch with a life-long friend this week who just divorced her husband for his long-term unfaithfulness. It takes two to tango BUT, oh the anguish. Three children–two raised, one handicapped. The weight of this situation drags on me. Your prayers would be appreciated. Thanks so much for your ministry here.
How true authentic Christianity vs. perfectionism, what a statement if more Christians could be authentic rather than putting on a ‘perfect’ face.
I so appreciate your post. It grieved my heart as well to hear the recent news of this pastor. It is God’s mercy that this secret sin came into the Light, so this man, his family, and congregation can deal with the truth and get some healing. I pray so, and realize 1 Peter 4:17 is important.
Bless you for sharing from the heart. Let’s pray many will repent and be restored in the months to come.