A Call to Action
and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
God has delivered us from such a deadly peril and will provide us again. We hope he will continue to deliver us as you help us with your prayers. Then, many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
I read something yesterday that reminded me how far we have fallen as the human race in moral decline and how disgusting I was as a man for much of my life. I learned something new: clergy sexual misconduct is a real thing. Just a few weeks ago, I posted something I heard from a pastor I listen to frequently that 60% of pastors watch porn weekly.
Years ago, I observed something on a mission trip I should have spoken up about but didn’t; I didn’t feel worthy or important enough. As I began my walk with the Holy Spirit and went all in obedience, my life changed, and my vision became more apparent. The log in my eye got smaller. I observed things going in the wrong direction, and I finally dared to speak up, as I believe Truth and Transparency are the cornerstone to living this life with Christ.
I was silenced, and, in my weakness, again, I was cowardly in the face of censorship when rejected by clergy and leadership. As I read what happened to someone within the supposed protected realms of the church under the supervision of the so-called shepherds/leaders, who are supposed to protect the flock, I was amazed at how we have blurred the lines in our nation. The church has remained silent, and it seems to ignore the depravity and expects those chickens won’t return to roost. As the people of this Constitutional Republic, with a church on every corner, we are called to be salt and light.
I will use the verses the young lady used as I opened with verses 10 and 11.
2 Corinthians 1:8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under tremendous pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
When, as a nation or a church, we give men the power over us to rule in secrecy, without accountability, we expect too much of the frail human ability. Seeking God doesn’t lead us down the road of perdition, secrecy, and censorship. It leads us to life and truth. We, those called according to Christ's purpose, must be active participants.
I stand with this brave young woman and her family and am given courage from her writing to be a better person, stronger, and above all, a better man, as shown by the example I see in her husband. I am simultaneously saddened and heartbroken by the lack of accountability and humbleness to seek real accountability and personal responsibility for all those involved.
I have found the peace of God that passes all understanding. I now believe few find it through my struggles and walk, and I pray for her and her family the same peace.
Full Disclosure: from 5 years old until my early teens, I was a victim of sexual abuse more than 100 times by a close friend of my family. I know the dehumanization and demoralization I felt when my calls for help were rejected.