If you Google "400 church leaders to resign after Ashley Madison hack" you will find a lot of websites this headline. It is from an interview with Ed Stetzer in Christianity today. I think what surprises me most is the idea and reactions of the world when Christians are caught. Even within the church there is this gasp of the fear of being caught. These notions are foolish because if we are truly focused on the One who is over all can see, hear and do, then we should be trembling in our boots and beds and on our computer screens knowing that this One is the same that can create and destroy. The One who can save or reject on whether He calls us to know His Son.There is this false sense of security in the privacy of one's own space. Albeit a computer, a laptop, a smart device or television, we think we are immune from the world finding out. When instead, we should be in complete fear and dismay in knowing that the God of this Universe and the Creator can see, hear, will and do whatever He pleases. He breathes us into life and knows when He has appointed our time of death.
The mere fact that God is over all (including those that do not know Him or claim that He is not real) is scaringly sober. How is it that we fear public opinion but we do not fear God when it comes to our sin. Woe be it to a Christian who sins an does not repent of that sin. Even more so, woe be it to the lost who sin and does not know God's son to save them. Now if you are a professing, transformed and born-again Christian, I do not want you to take away that you can lose your salvation, rather, I do not want you to die with unrepentant sin in your life and meet our Creator. I would much rather desire that both you and I repent when we sin (and we do sin) and share these sins with our brothers (who we should let have a voice and power of accountability in our life) so that we can turn from this sin and put it to death.
God calls us to be pure and holy. He calls us righteous (those that confess His Son Jesus Christ). We are adopted and called sons of the most Holy God. Therefore, as disciples of Christ, we have a burden of discipleship. This is not a burden that is beyond our ability, because God knows how wretched we can be, so he sent a Helper (The Holy Spirit) who dwells within the saved.
Job 7:17-21New International Version (NIV)
17 “What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention, 18 that you examine them every morning and test them every moment? 19 Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant? 20 If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you who see everything we do? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?[a] 21 Why do you not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins? For I will soon lie down in the dust; you will search for me, but I will be no more.”
Galatians 6New International Version (NIV)
Doing Good to All
6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
-----
When we approach the throne room of God in repentance (when we sin and if you are like me that is A LOT!) be humble. Be low in spirit. Be honest and open and transparent. Be fearful (you are approaching the Holy of Holy. Be a friend (spend more time in prayer and word with Him). Be honest. Be emotional. Do not be proud or arrogant and in all that you do, "15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him - Colossians 3:15-18.
To the One who sees and knows and does it all - be fearful and be humble.
Confess your sins to Him and study Him and His will for your life and you will find God's best for you in whatever He desires for you.
Blessings,Dante