Killing of the Conscience
Ravi Zacharias. Carl Lentz. Bill Hybels. Jerry Falwell, Jr. John Crist. And these are only a few names where the fall was greater than the rise. The rise to Christian stardom led these believers to a world of activity where accountability was found to be null and void and the conscious died a slow death. But they are not the only ones.
As I read the latest sex scandal committed by a noted Christian leader, I shook my head and asked myself, “How and when does the conscience die so that such activity can exist?” I can’t help but think of the lives transformed by these purposeful, treacherous acts. Men and women having to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives as they watch their predators speak the name of Jesus. Nothing appears to be more horrifying or humiliating. However, it is not just in the Christian stardom realm that this is happening. It’s happening right in our own churches, Christian organizations and businesses.
While those who speak for the name of Jesus should be held to a higher standard, it must be realized also that they are still sinful human beings….just like you and me. Scripture reminds us, “Do not put your trust in princes or other people, who cannot save you.” (Psalm 146:3). We are going to fail each other; we are going to sin against each other because we are sinners. We need to expect that. BUT it stands to reason then, that if we know we are sinners, we should “not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment…” (Romans 12:3). The verse prior to this, tells us how to do that “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test what God’s will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2). Of course, this leads to my original question: how do so many manage to kill the conscience then?
No one wakes up and says, “I can’t wait to emotionally/mentally/spiritually devastate someone today.” However, a person can slowly, methodically, choose to kill his or her conscience one choice at a time. He or she disregards testing what God’s will is. One stops regarding him or herself as a fallen human being saved by grace, and begins to believe he or she is someone else’s saving grace. No longer is he or she destined to please and live out God’s perfect will, but by one choice at time, he or she has strangled his or her conscience until no sound can be heard. As Robert Browning in Porphyria’s Lover states, “And all night long we have not stirred, and yet God has not said a word.” They have rebuked accountability as well as convinced themselves and others that their acts must be approved because “God has not said word.” Again, this is not just in realm beyond the average man’s reach. This is happening right in front of us.
However, the acts of men and women who use the name of Jesus to cloak their sin are committing spiritual devastation and possible spiritual abuse. Spiritual abuse is not a term that should even exist; however, it does. And those that commit these acts of abuse prey on the desperation of the soul that longs to know the love of Christ. While these acts are heinous and while some may never come to light on this earth, one thing we can rest in knowing is that as believers, we will all stand before the King in the end. It will be to Him whom all answer to and whether one hears or not, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23).
To those with emotional debris all around them, we want to help you find the peace, love, and hope you deserve. If you have experienced spiritual abuse or are experiencing a crisis of faith, know that we are here to help. We can help you find the reset you seek.