I usually don't watch the news on TV - I get most of my news from the computer. I've been thinking alot about this evangelical guy, Ted Haggard. I hadn't heard of him before the story broke of his infidelity and drug use. So, his story wasn't personal to me but I have been thinking about it . What is our response to brothers and sisters that walk (we do go willing) into such public sin? How much do we forgive? Is it harder to forgive someone who leads us? Do we even have a right to judge his (or someone in our own church family's) sincerity? Do we trust our shepherds to spiritually discern someone else's heart?
This could be anyone sitting in our pews or standing on our stages on Sunday morning. The most impressive thing I saw in the news was Mr. Haggard's willingness to submit to his own shepherds. Go here to see his letter to his church family. I also agree with this guy regarding charismatic leadership. Being the kind of person who LOVES to be in front of people and perform - I completely understand understand the temptation to do whatever it takes to stay there.
I'm all about forgiveness and the grace of God - without it I could look forward to an everlasting fire. I pray for this man and his family. I pray, too, for all of us to understand what it took for Jesus to give His life with the Father for all of us.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Forgiveness
Posted by AbbieCRAZY at 9:03 AM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
The whole thing makes me incredibly sad. The church I was attending in Bham before I moved is closely tied to New Life Church. I have some good friends down there, and I attend some of their art events from time to time. My heart goes out to their entire church family, because their world has been rocked.
I think the overseers did a remarkable job of getting to the bottom of things quickly so a decision could be made without dragging it out.
Most of all I am reminded of my own propensity to sin, and my enormous need for God's grace and forgiveness.
Why do so many prominent Christian leaders get caught up in sex scandals? It makes me so sad. I think, though, that the initial lying and coverup would be harder for me forgive if I were a church member. Once trust is shaken at that level, it's very hard to restore.
Praise God for forgivenes. Like you, I would only have hellfire and brimstone ahead of me if I were going to get what I deserve. Here are the lyrics to one of my currently favorite songs by Krystal Meyers:
Tell me why do you run
you seemed so ashamed
bruised and broken
thought if i figured out
the mess you've made
that i'd leave
but anywhere you are
is never to far away
theres freedom from your skys
the mistakes that you've made..forgivin
the memories erased
maybe thats the beauty of graaaace
laldealadeda
tell me what is love
i'll never hold you too
the things you make up
damn you say you want new life
in my arms theres mercy
anywhere you are
is never to far away
theres freedom from your skys
the mistakes that you've made..forgivin
anywhere you are
is never to far away
theres freedom from your skys
all the pain you have
anywhere you are
is never to far away
theres freedom from your skys
anywhere you are
is never to far away
theres freedom from your skys
anywhere you are
is never to far away
theres freedom from your skys
the mistakes that you've made..forgivin
anywhere you are
is never to far away
theres freedom from your skys
it's not the forgiveness that is a problem - that's between him and God. Rebuilding the trust is a completely different matter. The trust of his wife and family, the trust of his congregation, and his trust in himself. Maybe his should think about a different design for his foundation this time, hmmmm?
Post a Comment