Have you ever tried to cover up a bad decision? We all have! But no matter how creative we are, we will eventually be discovered. Let’s take a look at an individual who covered up years of manipulation and abuse of influence. In early February, a pastor of a multicampus church in Texas was dismissed from his position.
Share this information with your teens.
The elders of the church had discovered this pastor had been sending inappropriate text messages to congregants, one of whom had been a minor at the time, for over a decade. They determined that these behaviors “show a very clear pattern of predatory manipulation, sexual exploitation, and abuse of influence.”
While it’s unclear how the messages and abuse of influence came to light, the elders determined that termination of this pastor’s “employment was necessary in accordance with the clear biblical standards.”
When you finish sharing the information, discuss the following questions:
- Humanity is very creative. The ways we plan and execute our wrongdoings are often intricate and complex. Why do you think this pastor was able to get away with manipulation and abusing his influence for so long? (Answers may include: he had a position of power and influence, he had other people who kept his secrets, he convinced the people he texted this behavior was okay, no one wants to think poorly of a medical pastor, etc.)
- This pastor’s behavior was damaging to many people, including those he treated inappropriately, his congregation who lost their pastor, and his family. For us, most of our sin is quite different. How so? (For the typical American teenager, sin is less extreme and subtler. Internal rebellion, defiance, and private sins like lust and pride are easier to hide.)
- Is it fairly easy to deceive ourselves when it comes to our shortcomings? (Rationalizing our behavior is commonplace. No one likes to confront his own weaknesses, so denial and avoidance are often our default positions on sin.)
- Why is it easier to see others’ bad behavior than our own? (It often makes us feel better about ourselves when we compare our external behavior to others. Gossip and pride also become part of the equation.)
Adam and Eve were the archetypes for original sin, and we share in their broken humanity. Let’s see how we can better submit to God’s design for redemption.