My Answer: Don’t let philandering pastor turn you away from Christ
Q: Our paper ran a story recently about the pastor of one of our local churches who’s been forced to resign because he got caught in an extramarital affair. How could this happen? Aren’t people like this supposed to be a good example to others? — Mrs. T.B.
A: Yes, anyone who’s been entrusted by God with a position of spiritual leadership certainly should be above reproach in character and the way the person lives. Paul urged his young pastor friend Timothy to flee from sin “and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).
I hope you’ll see this event for what it truly is: a great tragedy — for the individual and his family, and for his church. On a broader scale, something like this also hurts the cause of Christ, because it only confirms what some unbelievers claim: The church is full of hypocrites. (It isn’t true, of course. Most only use this as an excuse to avoid giving their lives to Christ.)
How could this have happened? Only God knows. Perhaps this individual had drifted away from Christ or had failed to guard against sin. But Satan also will do everything he can to bring down a spiritual leader — looking for weaknesses, drawing attention away from Christ, playing on pride and so forth.
The Bible warns, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Pray for this individual and his family — and pray especially for the members of his church, that their faith won’t be shaken. Most of all, make sure of your own commitment to Jesus Christ, and pray that your faith will grow stronger every day.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8).
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Q: What do you think of when you hear the word “Satan”? You don’t imagine that Satan is a real person in a red suit and a forked tail, or something like that, do you? I think “Satan” is just a symbol for evil. — C.L.
A: It’s often been said that one of the devil’s greatest tricks is to convince people that he doesn’t really exist — and it’s true.
But Satan really does exist — just as surely as God exists. And he isn’t just a vague, impersonal force. He is a real person — that is, he has a real personality.
Just as you and I can think and make decisions and act, so can Satan think and make decisions and act. The difference is that everything he does is evil — without exception — because he is totally opposed to God.
But don’t think of him as just an evil person in a red suit and a forked tail. He is much, much greater than that. Satan is a powerful, spiritual being whose goal is to turn us away from God. He isn’t equal with God, but in ways that are largely hidden from us, he is engaged in a constant cosmic battle against God.
Don’t take Satan lightly — for he is your enemy! The Bible says, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against ... the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
The most important fact you need to know about Satan, however, is that he is a defeated foe. By his death and resurrection, Jesus Christ overcame all the powers of death and evil, and some day his victory will be complete.
On whose side are you? Don’t turn your back on what Christ has done for you, but by faith put your life into his hands today.
(Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn., 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM; or visit https://www.billygraham.org.)