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"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
(1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
The news of Robert Morris' moral failure and subsequent resignation from serving as pastor at Gateway Church in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, was so very hard to hear. I agree with his resignation. Even though it happened 35 years ago, he abused a minor who was 12 years of age at the time; he sexually assaulted her. He used his power and relationship with the family to prey upon her. This went on for four years while Morris was in the ministry, married, and had a child. It breaks my heart to even write about this. I have family members who attend the church. One vindictive pastor has been most cruel and is actually recruiting people to leave Gateway and attend his church. The better response, I think, is one of prayer and compassion.
While I do believe that in egregious cases like Morris's, pastors become disqualified from ministry, each person's situation must be considered individually when determining who is disqualified and who is not. There are some successful stories and examples of those who have fallen, repented, and were restored to their families and ministries. A pastor friend of mine fell and went through a time of repentance and accountability, and he is now back in the ministry. However, what he did, even though it was wrong and immoral, was not criminal or to the level of Morris.
This week's devotions are hard to write. I feel very sad in my spirit because of the pain and heartache so many are suffering due to the moral failures of their pastor or spiritual leaders. As I wrote on Monday, I am not casting stones of judgment or seeking to be mean-spirited. I am so busy trying to keep my eyes on Jesus and my mind pure and focused on Him that I do not have the time or energy to rail against those who have fallen. But for the grace of God, there go I!
How do you protect yourself from falling in this way?
Be humble and admit that but for the grace of God, you would do the same thing. Remember 1 Corinthians 6:18, "Flee sexual immorality." And recall 1 Corinthians 10:12: "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." Beware, take heed, and be on the alert.
Tomorrow we will wrap up this week's devotions on this subject of moral failures. I will offer some practical things you can do to help protect your walk with God, your family, and your integrity.
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