Expert: Charles White - 3/19/2006

Question
I am trying to be a good Christian in every sense of the word following bible based principles of behavior.  The bible clearly states homosexuality, sex outside of marriage, pornography, self-pleasure etc. is wrong. Most people do not discipline their impulses and willfully do these things and overeat as well because they have not developed a deep love of God nor turn to him in tempation.  I can understand various Church denominations reaching out to homsexuals but I do believe the leaders should be celibate and teach people who want to sin to become celibate too.  I have left various Churches because the leaders are weaker than the congregation. I want a church or leader I can learn from and not be led astray.  Who would want to take a tennis lesson from a coach that plays worse than you and get your game mumbled up. I am looking for a church to join and have some community.  Is there any Christian church that is solidly bible based in America today where the minister speaks out on what is what is right or wrong conduct?  Or should I continue to just pray to God directly and perhaps join a lay religious order that has vows of poverty, chastity and obedience?  I hope you can help me sort this out. I do not want to be judgmental or hypocritical. Why don't churches teach celibacy and self-control regarding all types of sin?  And not allow obviously broken leaders setting a bad example. I left the Catholic Church because of the corrupt leadership, not just the abomination of the priests over centuries, but actually hiding the records from the police.  How dishonest. If more people woould quit in protest and cut off the money supply, they would be forced clean up their act sooner.  

Answer
Hi Mary,

Let me see if I can offer some perspective. One of the statements that you made really stands out for me. "Who would want to take a tennis lesson from a coach that plays worse than you and get your game mumbled up." Its interesting that you say this, because that is really the arguement that the Pharisees use concerning Jesus. He really doesn't do things correctly. In many respects, He violates sacred laws and snubs what the Pharisees know is correct. In essence, He was a pretty bad Jew, at least in their eyes.

Jesus called the Jews to return to the spirit of the Law. He wanted them to find the meaning and the gift and not just the series of edicts. He also offered the view of the upside down kingdom. In a nutshell, that means that the meek, the downtrodden, etc. will inherit. To show this, he consorted with prostitutes, beggars, tax collectors, etc. With all of these people, he constantly showed love.

"Most people do not discipline their impulses and willfully do these things and overeat as well because they have not developed a deep love of God nor turn to him in
tempation." Be careful. Only God is Perfection. We are made in His image, but are a broken people due to sin.
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23). "Who can say, 'I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin'?"(Prov. 20:9) And finally, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." (1 John 1) "We know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate." (Romans7:14-ff) Sin is not a series of things that are judged in terms of how bad they really are. Sin is Sin. It is separation from God.

Our leaders are mere men and women. All of us are only saved by the Grace of God apart from any merit on our part. I think that the best way that a leader can communicate a knowledge of Christ to the world is by treating everyone he or she meets with compasion, love and respect. Judgement is reserved for the Great Judge.

That being said, there are principals of ethics within scripture that we are called to abide by in a covenental relationship with Christ. We will always fail, but we strive to do what is right according to the teachings of our Scriptures. There are many Christian religious leaders who stand firmly within the Gospel message and witness to the power, majesty and love of Christ for all creation.

The best advice that I can offer is TRUST IN GOD. Human Beings are broken, wicked and shameful. Even the most selfless of us still suffer the sin of pride, arrogance, etc. Religious leaders shouldn't be put on a pedestal because they are also on a journey. They try to lead as best they can, but they also try to follow. Continue to search and listen to God speak to you as you enter into a new community of faith. You will know when you have found a home. I wish I could offer more. Turn to the words of God as found in the Scriptures and see what they say to you. Let these words by your guide.

Charles