John 3: 20-21 "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God"
We've been talking, at Church, about boundaries and being accountable. Boundaries regarding our personal life. We discussed areas like boy-girl relationships, finances and time management, and what standards we as growing leaders have in relation to these areas. Being able to share openly in a safe, casual environment meant we weren't judged for our differing convictions and practices, but could be honest about what our understanding of the various matters is and how we'd address certain issues if they arose.
Let me cite an example. What is your stand on lending and borrowing of money? Simple question. Some said we should not borrow money. Others recognised that there may be times where we face financial struggles and need a little help getting by before we are able to stand on our own two feet and give what we borrowed back. Others said they'd be willing to give if they knew the person was genuinely in need and can be trusted to return it.
What sprung to mind, when I read this verse were events, that either occurred in the past (to people I know) or have taken place in the universal Church. Memories and thoughts that were triggered by what we were discussing. It's an important subject - accountability and boundaries in our personal life - as we want to lead lives of integrity. When sin creeps in and we are not accountable to godly counsel (perhaps because of pride or fear for our reputation or insecurity or shame and guilt), that sin eventually destroys us. Many great Christian leaders have fallen because of this. A common result is sexual sin and adultery.
It got me thinking. What are my convictions? If they can fall, I can fall. None of us are exempt from the temptations and distractions in this world. None of us are infallible or invincible. The higher we are in our leadership, the more humble we need to be in order to serve those we lead. Sounds ironic doesn't it? But that, my friends, is God's truth. Not the world's way, but God's way.
What am I like when no one is looking? What does my thought life look like? Do my decisions honour God? Do I consistently take care of my private life according to godly principles such that I am able to lead others in this? Or do I compromise and yet feel no shame and no inclination to hold myself accountable to my own leader, and worse, advise others as if I am above reproach?
Sin can be very subtle. Very alluring. Maybe we feel a pinch in our conscience at first. But this can be numbed over time. Or catch us when we're tired and slightly off guard because so much has just happened in our day, and we crumble like apple pie topping. It doesn't matter if we've just walked out of the best Christian seminar, spent a week praying and fasting, gone for a missions trip where we rescued a whole village of orphans. We're still susceptible to sin. Still vulnerable in some way. Look for the lines of weaknesses and build up our spiritual man. We need to be on the ball 24/7. Yes, even in those dreams where we can actually control what we're thinking.
We've been talking, at Church, about boundaries and being accountable. Boundaries regarding our personal life. We discussed areas like boy-girl relationships, finances and time management, and what standards we as growing leaders have in relation to these areas. Being able to share openly in a safe, casual environment meant we weren't judged for our differing convictions and practices, but could be honest about what our understanding of the various matters is and how we'd address certain issues if they arose.
Let me cite an example. What is your stand on lending and borrowing of money? Simple question. Some said we should not borrow money. Others recognised that there may be times where we face financial struggles and need a little help getting by before we are able to stand on our own two feet and give what we borrowed back. Others said they'd be willing to give if they knew the person was genuinely in need and can be trusted to return it.
What sprung to mind, when I read this verse were events, that either occurred in the past (to people I know) or have taken place in the universal Church. Memories and thoughts that were triggered by what we were discussing. It's an important subject - accountability and boundaries in our personal life - as we want to lead lives of integrity. When sin creeps in and we are not accountable to godly counsel (perhaps because of pride or fear for our reputation or insecurity or shame and guilt), that sin eventually destroys us. Many great Christian leaders have fallen because of this. A common result is sexual sin and adultery.
It got me thinking. What are my convictions? If they can fall, I can fall. None of us are exempt from the temptations and distractions in this world. None of us are infallible or invincible. The higher we are in our leadership, the more humble we need to be in order to serve those we lead. Sounds ironic doesn't it? But that, my friends, is God's truth. Not the world's way, but God's way.
What am I like when no one is looking? What does my thought life look like? Do my decisions honour God? Do I consistently take care of my private life according to godly principles such that I am able to lead others in this? Or do I compromise and yet feel no shame and no inclination to hold myself accountable to my own leader, and worse, advise others as if I am above reproach?
Sin can be very subtle. Very alluring. Maybe we feel a pinch in our conscience at first. But this can be numbed over time. Or catch us when we're tired and slightly off guard because so much has just happened in our day, and we crumble like apple pie topping. It doesn't matter if we've just walked out of the best Christian seminar, spent a week praying and fasting, gone for a missions trip where we rescued a whole village of orphans. We're still susceptible to sin. Still vulnerable in some way. Look for the lines of weaknesses and build up our spiritual man. We need to be on the ball 24/7. Yes, even in those dreams where we can actually control what we're thinking.
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