Scandalous

Where to begin?

There has been so much scandal in the news lately. I have been cringing at radio and television advertisements for political candidates for months now, and finally the deluge is over. Sadly, where the commercials stopped, the news media took over with the recent Ted Haggard scandal. There is a great deal of commentary on this situation, both from secular and religious organizations. I have heard speculations, diatribes, and defenses from both ends of the spectrum. I have very few words in response.

My pastor spoke about the state of the church, using 1 Corinthians 5 as his text last Sunday. The irony of hearing about the illicit relationship in Scripture while hearing non-stop reports of the (then supposed) illicit relationship involving Ted Haggard was not lost on the congregation. While many I've heard condemn and crucify Ted Haggard as an immoral, hypocritical "lost cause," I lean more towards this author's response. (also here). We are all lost causes. Period. Not one of us can muster up enough righteousness to satisfy the perfect standards of God.

For a perfectionist like me, this knowledge is daunting. Nothing? Not even a small step towards righteousness? Can I at least be better than "so and so"? NOTHING. It is only by the grace of God that we are sanctified and made righteous. If it were not for the magnificent grace of God, there is no telling where I would be.

And I understand, really I do, about the issue at hand. Ted Haggard wasn't just "John Doe Christian." He was a man with power, influence, and a tremendous following. This leads me to another point that was so powerfully illustrated by my pastor on Sunday. No man or woman is without the need for accountability. No one can survive a fall if he is put on a pedestal. Whether pride puts us there (as it seems was the case with Haggard) or pressure from others, or whatever the case may be, we are all in need of people who will help us work through the junk that can accumulate in our lives. And when you get put on a pedestal, it is easy to think that there is no one to whom you can confide. And sometimes, sadly, that is the truth.

We are all in need of the body of Christ, both to encourage and to rebuke. Those in marriage relationships need to be there for one another, sharing triumphs and struggles alike. And singles, like myself, need to resist the urge to isolate themselves from others, allowing hidden sin to flourish.

We must continue to pray for our leaders and our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose.