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How to Respond When Christian Celebrities Stumble

by Marc Dupont on November 12, 2019

How to Respond when Christian Celebrities Stumble
 
by Marc Dupont

 

Over the last few days, the sad news has come out that another well-known Christian has been involved with out-of-bounds sexual behavior. This individual is not a mega-church pastor, a famous evangelist, or teacher. He is a very well known comedian. I want to communicate a few things about how we, the Body of Christ, should respond to this. It is essential to consider not only how we ought to think about him and his victims but also, and even more importantly, how we respond to the situation. 

First off, whenever there seem to be some definite victims of abuse at the hands of someone we know or know of,  we ought to be in prayer for those victims. At this point in the information age, everyone ought to know that being abused, especially in a sexual manner, can haunt you long term. Even continued verbal abuse can cause long-term trauma. A genuine sense of fear, feelings of uncleanliness, and even shame are often experienced for years, even if the victims were completely innocent. Our initial response should be one of prayer for those who may have suffered at the hands of an abuser. 

Secondly, and this is a bit harder to grasp, is that due to the multitude of deceptions, woundedness, and demonic strongholds in this fallen world, even the perpetrators are victims. Am I saying this negates personal responsibility? No! God makes it quite clear that while He is a God of mercy, He is also a God of justice. For example, a Christian who gets drunk and then drives off the road and kills a pedestrian will find forgiveness from God if they repent. However, they very likely will still have to do time in prison. Galatians chapter 6, verses 7 & 8 read: "Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life." God's mercy does not negate justice.

My point, however, is simply that all who consider Jesus their Lord and Savior are on a lifelong journey of learning to be conformed to the image of Christ. As we travel this highway of holiness, we are simultaneously learning the ways of God and unlearning the ways of the world that we may be in bondage to. 

There will always be Pharisees who are quick to condemn. For those in Christ Jesus, however, there is now no condemnation (Romans 8:1)! When the Pharisees dragged the woman caught in adultery before Jesus, their heart filter of the law dictated that she should be stoned. He responded by saying, "Let he who has no sin cast the first stone." The simple lesson, at this point in the story, is that we all need God's mercy and grace. All the accusers then walked away. As the story continues, however, he then asked the woman, "Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more" (John 8.10 & 11 ESV).

It is critically important to remember that condemnation is unto eternal judgment, while godly conviction leads to repentance. God deals with our sins in a way to bring healing and Christ-like wholeness to us. It's so necessary, however, that we perceive that even with those who deserve justice that "mercy triumphs over judgment." So, while there may be definite victims who suffered at the hands of a perpetrator, in the long run (in God's eyes), even the perpetrators are victims of living in a fallen world.

So how should we respond when these things happen? Simply put, we respond with prayer for both the victims and the perpetrator for a complete restoration. Period! Christ-like living leaves no room for gossip. 

Interestingly, God categorizes gossip and slander in the same category as murder and hatred of God (Romans 1:30-31). Proverbs 18:21 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It is somewhat indicative of the continual choice we have to both imitate and reflect our heavenly Father. It reads, "Death and life are found in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat it's fruits." With our tongues, we can powerfully encourage, bless, and build people up. Equally so, we can tear down and curse. When a Christian gossips and slanders another, in effect, we are releasing curses and warfare into other's lives because we are operating in the accuser's (Satan's) mode. 

So how do we define gossip as opposed to "a need to know"? If we're not part of the specific problem and we're not part of the solution, then we should limit our speaking of the situation to prayer. We ought to pray to the Father for restoration and His kingdom peace and righteousness to prevail. 

There is a point, especially for leaders, in their roles as a gatekeeper with a local congregation that they need to be informed of potentially hurtful people to protect the flock. The same would be true of parents who need to be informed if a known pedophile moves into their neighborhood. This information is passed on as a protective measure, however, not as juicy gossip.

In regards to our brother who has just been in the news- let's pray for restoration of both his victims and himself. Aside from that, let's leave it alone. Since he is still our brother in Christ, let's apply Jesus's admonition regarding real love: Let's treat that brother as we would want to be treated if the situation were reversed. If we believe that our own repented sins are separated from us as far as "the east is from the west'," then let's extend that same faith to others.

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.
- 1 Peter 4.8 ESV