What Could This Mean?
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at 9:11PM What Could This Mean?
In Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi he instructs the church to have the “same attitude as Christ Jesus.” I think this applies to everything in our lives, yet there are many who would rather cling to and defend their defenseless positions than extend grace to church leaders who stumble and fall. I am troubled by the attitude that many in the church have toward pastors who are thrown off course by the snares of sin.
For instance, I have a friend who has been in ministry for many years. Until recently he had a wonderful reputation, but this all changed when he failed miserably as a pastor and elder. Yes, this shocked everyone around him, but did he somehow take God by surprise with all of this? Was God aware when He called him into ministry that he was going to flame out at some point? Has God’s view of this wayward child changed from what it was five years ago? Has God now turned His back on him, unwilling to have any contact with him? Has God said to him, “You can no longer fellowship with me”? Does God avoid contact with him? Let’s hope not, or we are all in trouble. God remains faithful to His children, even when we are faithless. Shouldn’t it be our aim to have this same attitude?
How can we allow ourselves the latitude to treat pastors with distain because they have “disappointed us” or sinned against us? Who is sin ultimately committed against? Isn’t it God? David, busted in the quagmire of his sinfulness, cried out, “It’s against you and you alone that I have sinned.” When someone like my friend sins and fails in his responsibility as a leader in the church, whom does he sin against? The people in the church? If that is ultimately true then why isn’t the opposite true? How about when a member of the congregation sins? Are they sinning against the pastor? Should we have a time each week in which the pastor forgives each of the members of the congregation who have sinned in the past week? I understand the importance of making an apology and seeking forgiveness on the part of the leader, but that never seems to be enough. In general people tend to pull away from the fallen leader, lest there be interference with the person experiencing the consequence of their sin.
It reminds me of the time when Nathan exposed David’s worst sinful actions through a parable. Not knowing that he was the “rich man” being referred to in the parable, David became indignant over the horrific behavior of this man. He was brought to his knees when Nathan said, “You are the man!” David was finally undone, finally humbled, finally repentant. Nathan approached David not only as God’s prophet, but also as David’s friend; being a faithful friend did not interfere with the heavy price that David had to pay for his sins. Nathan didn't pull away, but rather played a very significant role in David’s repentance and restoration.
As for my friend and many others like him, there will be people who will give him the help he needs, but it’s a shame that for the most part, it won’t be any of the ones you would expect. It won’t be the ones who he ministered to for decades.
If you know my friend, or know someone like my friend, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and reach out to this person. I promise that buying him a hamburger will not interfere with the consequence of his sin, honest!
Reader Comments (8)
Judge not. Just this week I have been thinking about this very thing of judging others and how doing so ALWAYS affects the judger.
How lifted up, in any position, does a person have to be in order to judge the mistakes of others. An honest man or woman would say there is NO lofty place here on earth where judgement should take place. Those who judge always seem to forget their own eye-beam problem or the whole "in the same manner as you have judged..." thing. Restoration is a beautiful thing..try it, you'll like it.
I couldn't agree with you more. I've seen leaders come and go because of things like this. Thanks for posting this.
So Carl, when do you want to go out for a hamburger? : )
Funny you should bring this up, was just talking to the home group about this very thing. As I get older I have found to be more forgiving, less prone to judge, least I be judged. The longer we walk the more likely we have worn the shoes of others thus it becomes easier not to judge, meaning the longer we live the more likely we have stubled ourselves thus allowing us to not judge others who have fallen in the same matter.
The word salvation also translates into restoration of our relationship with God, thus we know we serve a God who loves restoration ..........
It never ceases to amaze me the way the church launches an all out war to destroy its own when they fall. Having failed a time or two in my live, I understand to some extent how it feels. What I try to do is to fiercely embrace those I know who have stumbled. Jesus can fix anything. Yes, there are consequences, and no, it doesn't always work out the way you want, but He can forgive and heal.
When you fall is when you need love the most. I know that in my own life, when I have catastrophically fallen, that is when the Lord has been closest to me. He loves me, no matter what the opinion of His church is about me.
Beautifully written!! This moved me, touched my heart, and brought me to tears...in a good way!
I commend you for addressing this all so important topic, Carl. Thank goodness there are people that are not afraid to tell others the truth of God and the Bible....keep posting your thoughts, Carl. You are definitely a blessing...
Two words... A MEN!!... >8-)
I enjoyed reading this topic. How come we are quick to prepare a meal or give a hand to a fellow member when they are ill but, are quick to turn are back on someone who struggles with sin? Are they both not equally in need of are support and prayers? How come when someone takes a wrong turn, breaks down or runs out of gas don’t we get out and give them a hand? What ever happened to rolling up your sleeves and helping them back on the road? Isn’t that what fellowship is about? We are all heading to the same destination just taking different routes. Carl you can ride with me anytime.