The Ted Haggard debacle is certainly a blight upon the cause of Christ.
Unfortunately, it was not the first such embarrassment the Body of Christ
has been forced to endure. Neither will it be the last. When it comes to
sexual improprieties, there is no shortage of human frailty.
However, discernment and discretion teach us that not all sins are created
equal. For example, one would be foolish indeed to compare King David to the
sons of Eli. The character assassins in the media (and in some "Christian"
periodicals) will never admit it, but we must acknowledge the difference
between a good man "overtaken in a fault" and the discovery of a spiritual
imposter.
We must also acknowledge the fact that even someone of the caliber of King
David must suffer the consequences of adultery. It is a sad commentary on
the spirituality of modern churches to see how many adulterers are allowed
to remain in positions of leadership. The cover-up of adulterers,
homosexuals, and even child molesters seems pervasive. In this regard, many
ministers are no better than medical doctors in not being willing to demand
personal accountability among their peers. This is a phenomenon that will
certainly continue to bring additional embarrassment and consternation to
the work of God.
That being said, it needs to be pointed out that sexual sin is not the
primary problem in most churches today. There is another pandemic that is
quickly destroying the modern church in America. Furthermore, this scourge
is infinitely greater in destructive power than any of the sexual sins that
the modern Pharisees seem to be consumed with.
The cancer that is eating the heart and soul out of the American church is
the willingness of pastors and ministers to be bought, intimidated, or
influenced by the purveyors of wealth and power. Too many pulpits have
become little more than spiritual brothels where men are paid to provide
pleasure for the rich and powerful. In the words of the Apostle Paul, they
are "teachers, having itching ears."
Throughout America, pastors cater their sermons and writings to wealthy
businessmen, politicians, celebrities, or other people of influence. Turn on
the average "gospel" radio or television program. What do you hear?
Prosperity theology. Entertainment evangelism. Positive Mental Attitude
speeches.
In addition, most conservative Christian ministers would never dare
challenge President George W. Bush or hardly any other prominent Republican,
for that matter. Regardless of how unconstitutional or even unbiblical his
policies and decisions might be, they refuse to address them. They either
keep quiet or publicly support these fallacious decisions. What can such
conduct be if it is not a deliberate attempt to grovel before power, to
prostitute our message for the pleasure of men?
It seems that with far too many of today's pastors, the supreme desire is to
be successful, to be popular, to be comfortable. Or worse, to accumulate
money and wealth. We are looking for lavish lifestyles, opulent
opportunities, or personal praise. And our preaching reflects it.
When is the last time you heard a sermon on hell or judgment? When is the
last time you heard a preacher call sin by its first name? Most notable
mega-churches proudly say that they never use the word "sinner." Lost,
unredeemed souls are now called "pre-Christian" people. Words such as
"repentance" have been removed from the vocabulary of the average pulpit in
America today.
Yet, without sin and judgment, there is no grace and forgiveness. Without
hell, there is no heaven. No repentance, no faith. No wrath, no mercy. No
cross, no crown. No conviction, no Holy Spirit. No serpent, no Paradise. No
transgression, no Gospel.
No, it is not physical adultery that is destroying our churches. The vast
majority of America's pastors and ministers are moral men who are true to
their wives and families. The problem is spiritual whoredom. Preachers need
to renounce their friendship with the world (called spiritual fornication in
Scripture), which includes the world's political and business leaders, and
renew their vows to the God of the Bible. This, more than anything else,
would bring true restitution and redemption to our nation.
© Chuck Baldwin
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