Scripture: 2nd Peter 2:12-14 (the Message)
These people are nothing but brute beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl. In the very act of bringing down others with their ignorant blasphemies, they themselves will be brought down, losers in the end. Their evil will boomerang on them. They’re so despicable and addicted to pleasure that they indulge in wild parties, carousing in broad daylight. They’re obsessed with adultery, compulsive in sin, seducing every vulnerable soul they come upon. Their specialty is greed, and they’re experts at it. Dead souls!
Thought for the Day: On Friday evening, I was reading an article about a so-called minister who had been abusing young girls for many years. He is currently on the run from police, but this man used his charisma to persuade families to turn over their ‘first born daughters’ to him. A dozen or so families agreed, and he took these young girls to a camp site where he lived with them and abused them for years.
This is just one example of why the church and other institutions need to be extraordinarily diligent in their protection of the vulnerable, specifically children. Along with other congregations, we at Cypress Creek Christian Church have instituted specific steps to keep children safe. I wish it wasn’t necessary, but God has given us a responsibility to teach our children and to make sure they are safe. If you are asked to help with youth or children, please understand that an extensive background check must be done and specific procedures will be followed. We are constantly reviewing those policies and modifying when needed. They have a purpose, and no one can be exempt.
With that in mind, let me also call Christians to a commonsense responsibility. We all should help guide one another into a relationship with Christ, but at no point should pastors or church leaders use their authority to manipulate or guilt those under their care. I don’t care how charismatic or spiritual someone might appear, don’t be afraid to ask questions or raise genuine concerns. This is why we do our work in community. Our denomination adds an additional level of accountability, requiring clergy to do Boundary Training and other classes that focus on creating safe-space.
I know this is not an upbeat devotional, but after reading that story, I felt compelled to call our attention to one of the greatest responsibilities of the church: teaching and caring for the vulnerable, specifically children. The church is capable of amazing acts of grace, but a single person can cause extensive damage to the life of another human being. For that reason, let us take our responsibility seriously.
Prayer: Before you, O Lord, let me renew my commitment to making my church an amazing place of grace and wholeness. Let me reach out to others, so that together, we can create a safe environment where young minds and spirits can flourish. Amen.
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