November 08, 2006
Sometimes you need to be caught...
No doubt, you've already heard enough about Ted Haggard. Some of you think of this and it makes you feel sick. Some just get angry. Some feel sorry. Some just don't get it. Likewise, your thoughts on what this man deserves are probably just as diverse. Some of us are just getting so used to these stories, we don't even think much about it anymore.
I heard about this and my first response was, "No way". Not that I didn't believe it couldn't happen or that it couldn't be true. In my time I've seen too many pastors fall. We all have. But I've known a few personally. It just brings it closer to home.
I don't want to say too much except to say, I'm glad this happened. Not in the sense that this is a good thing. In terms of the Christian community, his sin affects us all. But I am glad it happened for his sake. In his letter to his congregation Haggard talks about struggling with this his whole adult life and how for periods he found victory and then it would happen all over again. For many of us, the sins are different, but at the end of the day, whether we're willing to admit it not, that's our story. Struggling with sin experiencing defeat for a season, experiencing strength for a season, and buying into the lie that's as good as it gets. Worst, buying into the lie that the best thing to do is to hide. Ted Haggard will no doubt discover judgment from lots of people. But he will also discover what he never believed could be, friends and family who will love him and support him through this, and a heavenly Father ready to welcome him, love unconditionally, restore him and call him "son". It's the story of the prodigal, it's your story, it's my story.
So I'm glad this happened, because as impacting as this is for many more people than just himself. And even though this will be fuel in the fire for people, Christians and otherwise. He can finally get the help that he needs. And in time, hopefully, know the freedom, victory and peace that Christ died so that he could experience.
It's easy to doubt his sincerity. It's easy to say, of course he's sorry, he got caught! But sometimes the only way out is to get caught. I think God gives us all much grace, even when we sin, and he gives us ways out, and he gives us opportunities to get right without bringing people to this place, but sometimes, the only way that's left is this. Because God's more interested in having you in right relationship with him and knowing his victory and peace, than he is in having you do whatever it is you think is really important for you to do, including leading a church.
Just look at King David's story and you'll see that's true. He had to get caught too.
This is not just Ted Haggard's story. This is our story every time we hide our sin. Whatever that sin is.
Jesus died so you wouldn't have to live in or with it. So don't let it hold you prisoner. Make a choice not to live in that secret place. The price you, and others end up paying is too high.
Posted by edHi Ed. How we all need to be reminded of God's point of view on sin. Doesn't matter what sin it is, God treats sin as sin. And God seeks to forgive us our sins, not waggle them in our face. We all need to be reminded of this.
In our small group, we are studying Andy Stanley's book "It Came From Within". Andy uses humour and a very sharp sword (The Bible) to identify and deal with the four areas of sin that infect our life from within. It is a great book that makes you laugh while it cleanly and efficiently dissects your life open for exhaustive examination. There is no hiding in this book.
Thank you for reminding us of God's point of view. It sure made me stop and say, "Oh yeah......"
Yup, at the end of the day, it's not about our sin, it's about God's reconciliation. Our sin hurts and carries with it consequences. But at the end of the day God can use even the pain and consequences to bring glory to himself. All things really do work out for our good. How cool is that?
Posted by: ed