It Was a Dark and Stormy Night...

Well, maybe it was or maybe it wasn’t when one of my church leaders ditched his car. Thankfully he was by himself. Thankfully no other car was involved. Thankfully.

Why?

Because he had more than one too many.

It is never a proud moment in any pastor’s life when one of his parishioners gets his name in the paper for DUI. I don’t recall what my first reaction was to the news. I think I said, “Stink.” I am sure I thought something stronger and less pretty.

It is at times like these that I really hate sin. I hate what it does to an individual. I hate what it does to a family. And I hate what it does to people that are closely associated. We are never an island. When we sin, it hurts others. Always.

Through the years, I have had plenty of experience with hard hearts that will not bend. Sin is rationalized. Repeatedly, I hear, “It’s not that bad.” “I don’t have a problem; it was only a mistake.” I know all the lines. Blah, blah, blah.

When Sunday rolled around, I anticipated talking with this man thinking I would hear the usual lines. Thankfully, that’s not what I got. Thankfully.

In fact, I got more than I expected.

During the worship service, just before the message, he stood up and confessed his sin. He apologized for the sorrow he was causing his family, his employer and customers, and the body of Christ. He expressed regret for grieving his Lord. And he repented.

I love the number 180.

And now, because no excuses were made, addiction did not claim another victim. Truth won the day.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I John 1.9

The First Victim...

Leaders. Students. Pastors. Young or old. Educated and not. From should know better to trying to know better.

Alcohol. Drugs. Oxycontin. Vicodin. Dextromethorphan. Sex.

God has called on me to help several men this past year that are struggling with addictions. And as you can note above, the circumstances are all different.

One thing stays the same, however. The first victim.

Truth.

The situation may start innocently, without sin. But in a weak moment (a sinful moment), the will gives way and desire wins the day. And a pattern begins.

And because we foolishly think we can cover our sin, we lie. Over and over again. Till we can’t figure out the difference between the lies and the truth. Even when the evidence is overwhelmingly against us, we still insist that the lie is true. It is more than absurd.

There is hope though. When one is able to confront the addiction and tell the truth, the desire for wholeness is a reachable goal.

And hope continues. Regardless of your success or your failure on any given day. Hope always remains as long as you tell the truth.

For, the truth shall set you free…