I have been following the news concerning another well-known “minister of the gospel” who has fallen into or has continued in a sinful lifestyle that has and is causing many to question the church’s overall influence and effectiveness, bringing shame to the name of Christianity. Some have departed from the faith they once strongly believed, having been drawn into deception themselves. Others are so offended with those who deceived them that they have “thrown the baby out with the bathwater.” They will not attend services with other believers any more. They have rejected the need to assemble and support and encourage one another. Others have become bitter and are being used by our enemy to accuse each other and cause further separation and division. This is too big a subject to address in one short weekly column, but let me make a few observations.

Luke 12 is a warning from Jesus: “Make sure you are not influenced by the hypocrisy and phoniness of the religious leaders. It permeates everything they do and teach, for they are merely serving their own interests. Everything hidden and covered up will soon be exposed. For the façade is falling down and nothing will be kept secret for long. Whatever you have spoken in private will be public knowledge, and what you have whispered secretly behind closed doors will be broadcast far and wide for all to hear.” Could it be that we are in a time where Jesus is allowing these things to come to the light so that some will turn and repent? Scripture plainly states that in the later days, many will depart from the faith.

I think this could very well apply to other spheres of influence besides religious leaders. What if every man and woman in a place of authority and influence held themselves to the standard of truth and righteousness that Jesus says was missing in these religious leaders of His time? If each one of us and them would walk in the fear of the Lord, wanting only to please and honor Him by our upright conduct, what a different world we would live in. The early church had a rather dramatic beginning when Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit. Peter discerned that they were not telling the truth and God literally struck them both dead. It put godly fear in the rest of the church that God was serious about walking in an upright way. The positive result was a church that operated in great power and authority.

My heart is deeply grieved at those who call themselves “Christian,” whether they are leaders or not, who have chosen to “do that which is right in their own sight.” None of us do it perfectly, so I would never want to “cast the first stone” at anyone else, but I do want to personally walk circumspectly before the Lord with a clear conscience. Have many people’s consciences become so seared that they can no longer discern right from wrong, truth from lies and deception? I think that is very possible and should put a holy fear into those of us who really do want to live in such a way that our God becomes attractive to those who have yet to encounter Him. We have two very important tools that can keep us from moving into deception and sin. One is a love for the truth and a knowledge of what the word of God says concerning conduct, behavior, etc. The other is the Holy Spirit who lives inside of us and will only bear witness to truth. When we hear or see something that is contrary to the Word of God and the nature of God, our spirit will not witness to that if we have Holy Spirit living inside of us (are born-again).

Another observation that I think is very important is that if a brother or sister repents of their sins, we are supposed to help restore them. (Galatians 6:1-3) We are not supposed to “throw them under the bus” or reject them but so many times that is what happens. Those who are not repentant or who keep falling back into the same sinful patterns may have to be treated differently. Paul addressed much of this in his letters to the different churches who were having similar problems even back in the beginning of the church age. But those who truly want to follow God’s ways need us to come along-side them and assure them of our love and support as they are restored to wholeness. I have seen this done wrong and I have seen it done right. When a fallen brother or sister is restored, many times they can turn that area of brokenness into a strength to help others that are struggling in the same area.

We really need each other but we need those who are willing to “speak the truth in love.” It has been said that many people in wartime situations are wounded and killed by “friendly fire.” Those who are on the same side of the battle have been wounded and killed by their own comrades unintentionally. And the church is no exception. It has been said that we are the only ones who kill our own wounded. Oh that this was not the truth.

Make some wise choices this week. Choose to be a lover of truth. Choose not to compromise in any area that could bring you down and bring dishonor to God and His Kingdom. Choose to be a healer and a restorer. Choose to come along-side those who made mistakes but are truly sorry and repentant. Together we can make a difference in our broken world. Make wise choices now and for the rest of your life.