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See, another one of those megachurch pastor/pimps has swindled the minds, souls and money of the weak Christians. That is what the media will lead some to believe when reading all the juicy details from the lawsuit brought against Bishop Eddie Long of 25,000-member New Birth Missionary Church outside of Atlanta. The media is having a field day as Long faces public humiliation. It is surely an outrageous situation! Certainly the world is looking at the church and judging us all for his actions. Anyone who tells you that you are weak because you choose to pray for this man instead of gossip about him is sorely mistaken. We don’t know and may never know the truth, but before you throw your opinion about Long into the public arena, here are some things to consider:
1. Don’t Judge
We don’t know what happened and we cannot assume just because the man is well known that he is shady. It’s not up to us to make that distinction. When someone has fallen short of their moral and spiritual platforms, Christians are supposed to come together to pray for that person not condemn them. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” In this case, since all the facts of these allegations are not known until we knows the truth and after we know the truth, we should pray for those who are struggling right now. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2)
2. Reflect On Your Own Secret Sin
Exposure is often a consequence of secret sin. Many times people ignore the signs and the voice of God that tells them to stop what they are doing, and think that worldly things like money, fame, prestige and status can prevent them from being outted for whatever sin they have. Lucky for us normal folks, when we are exposed it is not to the entire world. But having your family, closest friends and community find out what you do behind closed doors is just as devastating and embarrassing. This situation with Eddie Long should force us to look at our lives and our own secrets. What we think nobody knows, God surely knows. No matter how careful and clean you may be, everything comes to the light! “What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.” (Luke 12:3)
3. Own Up To Your Issues & Repent
Confessing to your sins and asking God to help you change will help you to avoid exposure and embarrassment. Sometimes we dig ourselves so deep in, we don’t see a way out. But telling God you need Him to change you will change you! “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
4. Everyone Isn’t A Good Representative of Christ
Everybody that goes to church, reads the Bible and can quote scripture is a good Christian. This is because Christianity isn’t about being religious. It isn’t about how much you can do to prove that you are a good person. It is about a personal relationship that you develop between yourself and God through prayer, understanding (not just reading the Bible) and becoming more like Jesus. Don’t look to the media for good representations of Jesus’ followers. Ask God for mentors, fellowship with church members and even then understand that they have shortcomings. Personally, I have found more examples of good Christians in my church, and have yet to see a handful on TV. But that’s just me. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 2Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:21-22)
5. The Devil Has No Power Over You
The devil cannot kill, steal or destroy your life without your permission. If you are saved, you are no longer under the control of the enemy. But temptation is a serious, serious thing that can end up separating us from God. So know your weaknesses, even after you repent and be mindful that you can fall victim to certain things. Be proactive when it comes to guarding your eyes, ears, tongue and thoughts from things that tempt you. And ask God for help when the temptation gets too tough! Don’t be afraid to speak the Word of God over your life, and don’t think you can dibble and dabble in things that can take a hold of you. “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (James 1:13-15)
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