I feel sorry for the infidelity (took me several minutes to find out what had transpired...and I assume there is more than one J. Bryant in the criminal system lolol) but are people more concerned with his divorce than their actions on the side of their marriage? In other words, do you think he should return to leading a ministry if he and his wife stayed married through infidelities and that as a divorced pastor, he should quit?
NO! He needs to sit down and allow someone to lead who has not committed adultery. It's not a free pass for someone to do this and consider the damage it's done to the Body of Christ. Infidelity is not good leadership. What is says is that, they can do this and still continue on 'business as usual'. Well, they cannot.
Our faith is based upon being FAITHFUL! We teach and preach this; it's in the bylaws of the position of a Pastor, Teacher, Minister. If they cheat,then they are giving license to others who have this weakness, to do the same rather than strengthen themselves not to yield unto this temptation.
I hope I'm making sense here, for I am not being a rhetoric.
The Bible tells us to flee youthful lusts; to fless temptation, to not allow satan to get the advantage of us.
NOW if a Minister is called to do teach these things, than he has to LIVE IT and to be the example not to yield unto his weaknesses. PERIOD! How else are others to follow his/her example?
Temptations to sin is a part of life. We are in this earth where there is absolutely no escape from temptations, nonetheless, we have the Holy Spirit within us to lead and guide us AWAY from temptation and it is NOT all that hard for anyone to do.
These men did not have to yield to sleeping with anyone outside of their marriages. They did not! Yet their chose to do so anyway. Therefore what they are teaching to their followers is that, "they can yield and still continue on as if they never did."
God wants us to flee from it and to teach and strengthen others to do the same. It is not that hard to do. And I've just about had it with all of the excuses for it.
Not ALL men are sleeping around. What's is so special about Jamaal Bryant and Zachary Tims, that they get to do it and still be in the limelight and promoted as good leaders. That's a bunch of mess and I'm not hearing it.
I have a higher level of intelligence than that and no one is going to tell me that these two men and others like them are entitled to a free pass. I am not that naive. And it hasn't got a thing to do with forgiveness. It's simply a matter of honor and accountability. To be a leader one has to have accountability and to live up to it. These men have proven that they do not have what it takes to be accountable and trustworthy.
Case Closed!
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GV... I'm not sounding off at you, Dear one.
I've just about had it with all of the nonsense that's been going on that's all. My response is not about you or your question personally. By now, you ought to know me, if not you will.
Blessings to you. Okay? :Rose: