Mercy

Bishop Eddie Long.

He is in the news quite a bit right now so no need to explain who he is. A well-known Atlanta pastor accused of sexual 'abuse'. Just typing that makes me shake inside. It's a grieving statement. Grieving? Yes, grieving. It's another situation that the American church can't afford to have. Another black eye (no pun intended) that the American church has suffered, whether the allegations are true or not. Might as well add his name to the list of 'Pastors Gone Wild'. I'm trying to find humor in this but every time I do, I just shake my head. And wonder why?

God we need your mercy. The American church needs your mercy God. Mercy, mercy, mercy.

 I am crying out for your mercy God. Mercy please?

When I first heard the story of Bishop Long, I was very angry. What fool pastor would allow himself to be put in situations that would cause someone to do this? True or not, how can someone in leadership allow this to happen? You can't put yourself in situations that would bring any kind of question. As a church leader, you are held to a higher standard so you can't allow any gray area. None whatsoever. So how could someone so prominent in the church and black communities do this? What an idiot, I thought.

Since then, I've tried not to pay attention. It was as if I didn't want to hear any truth or lies about it. It just made me more angry that the American church just doesn't get it. I have been disillusioned with the American church. Megachurches to me are just wrong. Too big for their britches; too corrupt. But, small church don't seem to be any better. In some cases, the smaller the church, the more controlling it is. No wonder more and more Americans 'seem to be' embracing atheism, gnosticism, new-age mumbo-jumbo, self-belief systems, cult/occult/mysticism, etc. American Christianity isn't offering what America needs. At least that's what "I" think.

As I tried to avoid thinking or reading about Bishop's Long troubles, more and more I kept feeling a sense of sadness replacing my anger. Sadness at what we, me included, are doing to represent Christ. Christ-ian. Christ like. My anger doesn't represent that very well. Yes, some would say it's a righteous anger. Maybe it is. But, if that righteous anger isn't followed up by cries for mercy, as well as prayers for truth, restoration and healing, then it's just plain old anger. What good does that do? Nothing. I'm no better than Bishop Long.

It's a fine line to be sure. Righteous Anger vs Emotional Anger. It comes down to motivation (what's in your heart). As the title of my blog says 'rebellious saint/perfect sinner', Lord knows I need mercy. I don't need people looking at my Christian life and being angry about it. I am rebellious. I am a sinner. I can be just as wrong, evil, wicked, deceitful, and manipulative as the next person. It's inherent in me. It's inherent in every single living person on this earth. It doesn't matter who you are, President Obama on down to the 87 year old woman living in the remote mountains of  South America or the deserts of Africa. We are all sinners. And we all fall short in God's glory, in His kingdom, in His eyes. And yet, Jesus.

Because of Jesus and what He did on the cross. He was crucified. He was the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to atone for all of our sins. Through Him, we have access to God and His grace and mercy. By believing in Jesus Christ and speaking it out, we have a hope and a future after this life, despite ourselves. Only He can bring about the change inside of us. But not if we don't ask.

And so I ask for mercy God. I ask for mercy for me. I ask for mercy for Bishop Eddie Long. I ask for your truth God, to penetrate our hearts and minds. Forgive me of my sins. Forgive Bishop Long of his sins Lord. Let your truth be revealed in me. And may your truth be revealed in Bishop Long as well. I pray your truth comes out in this situation too. God we need you. We need you more. We need to humble ourselves before you God but it's not always easy to do. Help us Lord. Grace. Mercy. Help. In Jesus name I pray.

Until next time,
RSPS Sunny