So, I've been wondering about why people who know better do things they shouldn't. Not just the 9-5 type worker but people in authority or positions where what they do really does matter. People like Presidents of countries, CEO's of major corporations, policy officers, clergy.
You know, not the "oh I let a bad word slip out" kind of mistake but the kind of mistake that changes lives, that changes careers. Is it the lure of sin? Is it the feeling of being untouchable? Is it selfishness? Is it spiritual and the enemy of their souls wants them in bondage? Is it something else entirely?
I don't know why I've been wondering about this. I guess it is because it worries me. There are people I look up to and then there are people that look up to me. If someone I admire or learn from were to screw up big time. How would I handle that? I must admit I wouldn't handle it well. I'd probably say something like, "They should've know better." or "I can never trust them again". I don't know, something unsympathetic like that.
Then I wonder what if I were that person and I did something really stupid. Is that possible? Is what I've tried to teach my children true? Are we really all only one choice away from making a mistake that could ruin our lives, or worse yet, the lives of other people? And if we are, what could possibly prevent it?
I don't think education is always the answer. In the case of clergy caught in sin, they knew better. In the case of people abusing the authority they've been given, they knew. Many times they probably believe they won't get caught, or if they do get caught they can explain it away. But it doesn't work that way. I've had too many friends caught in the ripple effect of other people's sins to believe it is that easy.
So, why does a President abuse power? Why does a member of the clergy get caught in immoral acts? Why does the CEO of a company get "creative" with finances? And is there anything that can be done to head it off? Possibly prevent it?
I don't know for sure but I wonder if they had someone in their lives that would point blank ask them things like; "Are you being faithful to your wife?" or "Are you drinking too much?" or "Are you doing anything in secret that you think God might have a problem with?"
Are we willing to ask a friend or a boss or someone we respect those tough questions? Typically not. Typically we are too afraid. Afraid to insult, afraid to butt in, afraid to offend. But what if that intrusion or that offense could save a family? Then is the risk worth it? What if it saves a country? What if it saves a church?
Maybe we need to consider getting out of our comfort zone occasionally. I had a friend once who would ask me those tough questions. I miss her. I didn't always answer them truthfully but they always gave me cause for reflection and correction. If you are reading this you are probably someone I know. We may run into each other now and then or even talk on the phone. Please know you have my permission to ask me the tough questions. You have my permission to risk offending me. You have permission to insult me if necessary. I promise you, I will recover and we will remain friends because I will know it was out of love and concern.
Someday I will meet my Savior face to face and if I can't be honest with you, how will it be with Him? Leading a ministry I know that others are watching me. I know that what I do and say counts. I know I am human and subject to sin. I know their is an enemy of my soul that does not want me to be effective and will use my own weaknesses against me. So, I want to walk through life knowing that I will give an answer for what I've done on earth
and what I haven't done. I want to stay on track and be effective in the work the Lord has given me. Thank you for helping me make that a reality.
"Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face." 1 Corinthians 13:12a
And the debate goes on.
This December 25th will you celebrate the birth of the Christ child or something else?
