“He got what is coming to him.” “It’s about time people found out!” “I hope they throw the book at him.”
Those are just typical phrases we hear when we hear of someone getting caught doing something illegal or just downright evil. I’m not excusing sinful behavior. The full weight of the law ought to be brought down on those doing illegal deeds, trafficking in sex trade, taking advantage of people with scams, abusing children, etc. What I AM concerned about is our attitude toward others. Take, for example, a Christian “celebrity” who falls. A recent scandal of a Christian musician has been the “talk of the town” and all sorts of scenarios have been painted as to what should happen to him. There are those saddened by the news of another Christian looked-up-to falling. There are those curiosity-seekers who search the internet for more juicy stuff to suckle on. And then, of course, there are those who gloat-believer and non-believer alike. I can’t speak for the non-believer. They have issues themselves they will have to answer for, like “What did you do with Jesus?” It is the believer’s response that raises flags for me. Without a doubt there are and will be those who relish the news of another Christian falling,whether it be this musician or that musician or another televangelist or some big name preacher.
Please understand: while I believe sin has its consequences, gloating over someone getting caught due to their sin should never be our reaction. Can you see God saying, “You rejected me when you were alive. What makes you think I am sad you are dead and lost”? I don’t. I see His heart breaking over the final destination of someone who rejected Him. I cannot and will not see him rubbing His hands together or clapping while saying, “Yes! Another one bites the dust and will spend eternity in the flames of hell.” The Bible says, “God is patient and wants all men everywhere to repent and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
When you hear of someone who falls, don’t gloat. Remember this: “Pride goes before the fall.” Instead, pray for that person. Take no pleasure in someone’s fall. Leave the media alone. Don’t go surfing to see how much dirt you can find. Be thankful for “There but for the grace of God go I.”
And who knows? You may have the opportunity to extend to someone something we all need: G.R.A.C.E.
It’s all about showing others the grace we know we’ve been given that we could have never done anything to earn. It is so tragic when believers would rather revel in the downfall of another Christian than choose to pray for them instead. As I haven’t seen any news yet this morning, Bill, I’m not sure who you are referencing here, but I’m already praying.
Blessings!
The one I am referring to is several weeks old by now. I’m just tired of the vitriol and hate coming from Christ-followers and the gloating from those who aren’t. it is about grace, Martha.
The journal prompts I use chose pride as the topic for July. These daily prompts have made me realize how pride can infiltrate our lives in ways we may not recognize. Judging and condemning others is an easy trap to fall into. One of our former associate pastors who led our prison ministry often said, “All it takes is one bad choice. ‘There, but by the grace of God, go I.’”
he is absolutely correct Pam. And I have to be aware of that saying myself. I am human and I sin.
Several years ago I was praying for a senseless shooting that killed some children and adults. While I was praying, God brought to my attention to remember the shooter (he was apprehended not killed), and his family. Its hard to explain, but God let me know that I had to pray for both the victims and the perpetrators. I needed to pray that the perpetrator’s harden heart would change, and that he would ask for God’s grace. The only way to break the cycle of sin, is through God’s grace and pray. The first time in my pray group that I prayed for not only the victims in a sex crime but the people who committed the crimes, set my pray group back on their heels for a minute. After our pray time we discussed it, and now we include both in our prayers. Sin is sin, and we all need grace, and we need to pray for God’s grace for everyone. Only God can change a harden heart that is being lead by the evil one, but it is our responsibility to lift up prayers for the culture to God, and ask for the changes to be made.
Well said Gail and words we all need to hear. God’s grace does not just extend to the victim but also to the one perpetrating the crime. I like your approach.