IT’S THE PLAN, NOT THE MAN
04-26-02

It is almost impossible to read the newspaper or watch the news without hearing another story about the problems in one of the world’s largest religious groups. It seems as if daily there is another person disclosed who either was abused when a child or abused children sometime in the past. Not only do these past actions cause countless emotional problems for those victims, but when brought to light, hinder the cause of Christ as well. This is not the first time that Christ’s cause has suffered because of the actions of those who claim to be His "pastors," His "priests," or His "ministers." A few years ago it was highly publicized that two well known televangelists had engaged in immoral activities. Also, if you were to ask just about any minister, he could probably tell you of at least one other person who was no longer in the ministry because of some immoral act.

God holds those who would be His ministers to a higher standard. James wrote, "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment" (James 3:1 NKJV). Paul, in writing to the young minister Timothy, said, ". . . be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV). Later in the same letter, Paul told Timothy "to pursue righteousness, faith, love, patience, gentleness," (1 Timothy 6:11, NKJV). Ministers should try to live lives which exemplify all that is moral, righteous, and holy.

But alas, sometimes godly men do ungodly things. A few short years later Paul would again write to Timothy, only this time he would very forcefully tell Timothy to start to do the work he was there to do. This is not the only isolated case of a godly person not living up to the standards set before him. King David, not only committed adultery and was an accomplice to murder, he failed as God’s instrument of justice by not punishing his sons for rape, premeditated murder, and rising up against God’s anointed. Even the apostle Peter denied the Lord three times and later was hypocritical in his dealings with the Gentiles. Those who are held to a higher standard and of whom we expect better can fall far short of what is expected of them.

Some have a tendency to almost idolize their ministers, pastors, or priests. When those ministers sin the faith of these individuals is often shattered. This can be prevented if we learn to focus on God’s plan – the gospel of Jesus Christ – instead of the man presenting it. The gospel will never fall short, never fail, never be lacking in sufficiency. It is His power unto salvation (Romans 1:16) and is able to save our souls (James 1:21). Even though the man presenting it may fall short and may do some ungodly things, God’s plan is perfect. It is the plan not the man which will help us to reach heaven. Let us keep focused upon it.