Truth Magazine

By Irvin Himmel

Four words in the title of this article are defined for the sake of clarity. I want the reader to understand the thrust of this essay.

“Teacher” is used here of one who publicly imparts knowledge; an instructor who exerts a broad influence in the church and outside the church; a gospel worker such as a bishop or an evangelist. I include deacons under this term, although teaching is not necessarily a function of such servants.

“Community” refers to the people outside the body of Christ who reside in the particular area where a congregation is located; the general population of the town, neighborhood, or vicinity. I am not referring to the community of believers but to the people sharing common interests due to geographic location..

“Impact” means the force of impression; the effect or influence; power over the minds and conduct of others.

“Sin” is to be understood in the sense of a misdeed or wrong that attracts public attention. I am not referring to a secret or private transgression. I speak of sin in terms of a trespass, offense, or violation of God’s law that involves others or is known generally; such an act as drunkenness, adultery, theft, child molestation, or embezzlement.

Teachers As Examples

Teachers in the church fill a role making it doubly important that a good influence be exerted. Outsiders tend to expect more of a leader than they do of others in the church. God expects preachers, deacons, elders, and teachers (such as class instructors) to guard against conduct that is unbecoming, and to remember that their force of impression on the public is weighty.

A bishop “must have a good report of them that are without” (1 Tim. 3:7). This is essential, not only at the time of his appointment, but throughout his years of service. If he acts so that his reputation in the community is damaged, the congregation’s effectiveness in outreach is hindered. Corruption in the conduct of a shepherd gives the flock a bad name.

Paul admonished the preacher Timothy to keep himself pure (1 Tim. 5:22). He told the young evangelist to take heed to himself and the teaching, for in so doing he would save himself and his hearers (1 Tim. 4:16). Titus was told to be “a pattern of good works” (Tit. 1:7). That would leave no evil thing for others to say of him. Obviously, the preacher’s influence on outsiders as well as believers is brought into focus in these passages.

Teachers Who Sin Leave Ugly Scars

When a teacher or church leader goes bad it may take years for the congregation to overcome the evil effect produced on the minds of people in the community. A teacher who sins openly has disgraced himself and the cause he represents in the public mind. The community may not be as charitable as the Lord in forgiving and forgetting. It is true that the whole church should not be judged by the misdeeds of an immoral preacher, or a deacon who acts unrighteously, or an elder who falls into sin, but a community often talks more about one rotten leader than the good folks who have not disgraced the Lord’s name. This is the case especially in smaller towns where everybody knows everything that occurs.

W.E. Brightwell once said in his succinct style:

A dishonest or cowardly preacher is the most inconsistent, excuseless, and senseless thing of which one can conceive. Few start crooked. Should we force every one entering the ministry to sign a pledge that if he ever feels himself slipping in faith or moral integrity he will voluntarily give up preaching? He could do that much for religion – he could quit preaching! Anybody who has ever preached should have that much respect for religion.

It is too much to expect preachers to be stronger than other Christians. I suppose they can be forgiven as readily as others for disgracing themselves. But what a terrible doom must await the preacher who disgraces his religion along with himself! (“The Notion Counter,” Gospel Advocate, Dec. 9, 1937). Years ago, quite by accident, I learned of a preacher who had run up bill in a certain city then left without paying them or making any arrangements. He moved to work with a congregvation with which I had formerly worked. I felt compelled to write to one of the brethren and inform him of this, but for some reason he withheld the information from the rest of the church. I understand that the preacher pulled the same stunt in that community, leaving the church with a marred reputation.

Overcoming the Impact on the Community

How does a congregation overcome the influence of an ungodly teacher? If a deacon is arrested for a felony and the newspaper publicizes the affair, how does the church handle the problem? If a preacher commits adultery, how can the church deal with the situation to minimize the bad impact on the community? If an elder who happens to be the church treasurer appropriates church funds to his personal account, what course shall be followed for the sake of preserving honor in the community?

These questions are easier to ask than to answer. The reader is offered the following suggestions to consider:

(1) Make efforts to bring about repentance and restoration. Any Christian who sins needs to repent. The teacher or leader may need admonition, rebuke, and warning just as anyone else may need help from others in being brought to repentance. Concerning elders, Paul said, “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (1 Tim. 5:20).

(2) Forgive the penitent. Our obligation to extend forgiveness applies to all who have repented. The sins of teachers are not to be treated as if unpardonable. A congregation may be stunned and shocked if it becomes known that an elder has committed adultery with one of the sisters, but if they repent we must forgive them.

(3) Withdraw from the unrepentant. The brother who sins and refuses to repent, whether church leader or not, must be marked and avoided if we are to carry out the -teaching of the Scriptures. Teachers are not exempt from the rules of discipline outlined in the New Testament. If the sinful person skips town, as some preachers have done when they refused to meet their financial obligations, the church should warn others of their misdeeds.

(4) Do not resort to cover-up. A preacher who becomes immoral always hurts the church. The impact of his wickedness on the community will not be lessened by attempting to sweep the whole mess under the carpet. If the church acts according to the Scriptures in disciplining him, this will help to preserve the honor of God’s people. If withdrawal becomes necessary, it should not be done in secret. The church must let the community know that sin is not condoned, even in the lives of leaders who have been highly respected.

(5) Re-evaluate qualifications for leadership. The teacher who sins may repent and be forgiven, but the effects of his wickedness are not automatically erased. One’s damaged reputation may make it inadvisable that he continue in the position of leadership which he has occupied. For example, a preacher who commits adultery may be forgiven and restored to the Lord, but if his reputation in the community is ruined he is wise to (1) quit preaching publicly, or (2) move to some place far-away. Forgiveness of a sin does not blot out the consequences of the act, and forgiveness will not cancel injury to reputation that bears on eligibility for effective impact on a community.

When a teacher goes bad, and it is happening over and over, the faithful must re-double efforts to maintain purity. Let us all walk humbly and circumspectly, considering ourselves lest we be tempted.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 16-17
January 5, 1984

By Hoyt H. Houchen

Churches are prone to absorb their social environment. The church at Corinth is an outstanding example. The ancient city of Corinth, with a population of about four hundred thousand in the time of Paul, was morally corrupt. During this Roman period it was notorious for its wealth and indulgence. The temple of Venus, with more than one thousand priestesses dedicated to harlotry, was located there. The immoral influence of that city infiltrated the church; and, in Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, he had to deal with such sins as fornication among those brethren (1 Cor. 5: 1).

Likewise, ungodly influences in our society have seeped into churches of our Lord. The church is composed of individuals; so, when a congregation is morally corrupted, it is because of sins committed by individuals. Materialistic thinking in the world permeates the church, and this concept in turn produces different forms of immorality. The desire for material things is fulfilled in the home when the wife starts to work outside the home. Then the race to “keep up with the Joneses” begins. This is very often the basis of martial problems. Communication between marriage partners decreases, the wife finds activities outside the home more interesting, she finds herself being admired by new acquaintances, she becomes independent and eventually divorce is the result. Hardly a week passes that we do not hear that some church member and his wife are divorced. Too often it is a preacher and his wife, and usually fornication is involved. Sin is sin, regardless of who commits it; but there is a greater impact upon the church when committed by a public teacher of the Bible. This essay is not addressing itself to any one particular sin of the teacher, but any sin.

The Teacher’s Responsibility

A teacher in the Lord’s church (whether he be an elder, deacon, preacher or a Bible class teacher) has a tremendous responsibility, not only for what he teaches but how he lives. Every Christian has this responsibility, but because of his position of leadership, the teacher is looked to for guidance, not only by instruction, but also by example. Every teacher should realize that he must not only teach the truth but that he be exemplary in conduct. Paul admonished his beloved child in the faith, Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example to them that believe, in word, in manner of life, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). These words apply to every evangelist today. It is imperative that every teacher be prepared by diligent study to accurately and efficiently teach the word of God, and that his life be above reproach. James warned his readers, “Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment ” (Jas. 3: 1). Speaking is an indispensable part of the preacher’s work; therefore, he must be cautious as to his words. This is why James continues his warning in verse 2, “For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.” This is the setting for the remarkable treatise on the tongue which follows. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for evil speaking, warning them of the consequences. “And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matt. 12:36, 37). The teacher is responsible for what he says; thus every time he speaks, he should remind himself that someday he will have to stand before God Almighty in judgment to give an account (Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 5:10).

The Power of Influence

What the teacher says is important. His speech is to be accurate, instructive and convincing; but it is equally important that his life be in conformity with his teaching. The man whose life is not commensurate with his teaching is inconsistent, and his influence is destructive. He has no respect from those who know what he does. Many young converts and those weak in the faith have been discouraged, shaken, and in instances, have left the faith because some teacher in whom they have placed their confidence has betrayed them by his conduct. We cannot respect the teacher who says: “Do as I say, but not as I do. ” Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: “Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). Paul was d6ing just what we should all do. He was trying to follow Christ who is our perfect model. He, therefore, urged his readers to follow him as far as he followed Christ. Paul, having given no occasion for any man to stumble, commanded others not to do so (1 Cor. 10:32). He reminded Timothy of his own conduct and commended him for following it. “But thou didst follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, patience, persecutions, sufferings; what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecution I endured: and out of them all the Lord delivered me” (2 Tim. 3: 10,11). Paul not only had a tremendous influence upon Timothy and upon the churches, but his godly conduct continues to influence the countless thousands who read his biography and writings in the New Testament.

Ungodly Preachers

Gospel preachers are teachers of the word of God as every Christian should be, but his public “position of the Scriptures from the pulpit focuses special attention upon him. It is for this reason that the cause of Christ has suffered immeasurable harm from those who teach the truth, but whose lives are ungodly. Men who have unusual pulpit ability, but whose lives are immoral, have been a great detriment to the Lord’s work. Some of us knew a preacher a few years ago who was sound in his preaching, but unknown to us, he had frequented bars and had been drinking for years. Many years ago this writer went to a community to preach, following a preacher who had not paid his bills because he was a “dead beat.” His impact upon the church was keenly felt. The tragedy is not only the condition of the souls of such men, but the great harm they do to the church. There is much more to being sound than just being so in the pulpit or in the class room. Hypocrisy, in all its forms, is despicable in the sight of God and denounced by Jesus (Matt. 23). Honesty is more than telling the truth. Truth that is spoken is made even more attractive by honesty in the life of its teacher. There is much to be considered in the old adage: “I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one any day.”

Perception can be practiced in more ways than one. Paul admonished, “Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men” (Rom. 12:17). The Greek word for “take thought” (pronoeo) is translated “provide” (KJV), and is the same word found in 1 Timothy 5:8. It means to “pre-think.” It conveys the idea of careful consideration. The Christian is to take forethought; he is to provide things that are honest and right, and is to provide for his family. He should exercise forethought when he enters a business transaction to be sure it is not “shady.” He should be open and “above board” with all whom he deals. There are instances of preachers who have gone to some remote field to preach and receive their financial support from distant churches. Not under the oversight of elders and not being observed by the brethren who support them, they have taken advantage by engaging in businesses of one kind or another without the knowledge of the supporters. There is nothing wrong with a preacher “making tents” by reason of necessity; but it is another thing to be fully supported and practice deception. It is nothing short of dishonesty. And, this has been the practice of some who have been supported by congregations under elders, not in remote places. The preacher has operated a business without the elders knowing it. It might be amazing to know what some of these men have made on the side, in addition to the full support they have received from the brethren.

Ungodly teachers should be dismissed and exposed, if they refuse to repent. When elders of a local church receive inquiries about such men, they should be forthright in exposing them. This will help to guard against another congregation being hurt by the ungodly preacher’s influence. When brethren remain silent about a culprit, they are doing an injustice in allowing him to run loose, only to victimize some other good church. Sometimes brethren will not reveal the information that is needed because they either fear repercussion from the exposed offender or simply want to get rid of him. Silence in this case is deception. If brethren would withdraw from those guilty of disorderly conduct (2 Thess. 3:6) and then expose them , many churches could be spared mental anguish and irreparable damage. On the other hand, we have also known of instances where churches having received warning about a preacher, ignore the warning and hire him anyway. They pay the price, but it is too late. The damage to the church has already been done. Only recently we heard of a preacher who stole money from a church. Such a man should not be in the pulpit. It is characteristic of this kind to move about, never staying very long in one place, but unfortunately long enough to damage a church. When asked to leave, they usually stir a stink before leaving. Then there is the preacher who becomes involved with some woman other than his wife. It is not usually a one time thing with that kind, but they continue to preach and brethren support them. The influence of the church in some places has been almost annihilated because of the sinful behavior upon the part of its members, especially elders and preachers.

The Solution

The solution to the problem of sin committed by the teacher is the same as that of any other member of the church. (1) There must be an about face in attitude toward the Scriptures. They must be regarded as our complete and final authority in all that we do. When they are disregarded the door is opened for every form of disobedience. When they are ignored there will be no regard for the sanctity of marriage, the home, nor honesty and chastity. Material things become the priority of life. Only when our attitude is one of humility and wholehearted submission to the will of God, can our lives be pure and holy. (2) A proper attitude toward the Scriptures will result in the proper attitude toward the Lord’s work. Among other prerequisites, a young single man who plans to preach should seek a wife who is devoted to the Lord and who is aware of the sacrifice she will have to make. If she is dedicated to her own selfish interests, she does not qualify to be a preacher’s wife. Young man, if you plan to preach the gospel, then dedicate yourself to preach the truth without compromise and be determined to live a life above reproach. The Lord’s work is the most serious business in the world. Unless you plan to live what you preach, forget about preaching. Each and every teacher should read and ponder the following words of Paul: “thou therefore that teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal? thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery?” (Rom. 2:21,22).

The prevalence of sin in the church is obviously the work of the devil. He can only be defeated when our attitude toward God’s word and His work is right. My brother, my sister, evaluate that act of sin before you commit it. Contemplate what it will do to your heavenly Father, to your soul, to your wife, husband, children, parents and other loved ones, and consider the impact that it will have upon the precious church of our Lord.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 14-15
January 5, 1984

By Aude McKee

Preachers often lay themselves open for adverse criticism by going to houses to talk with a woman with a problem, or meeting them in the church office where the two are alone together for a period of time. Carefulness on the part of a preacher in taking his wife with him, or having the woman meet him in his home instead of the office, could save one from actual sin or reputation-destroying rumors.

Carelessness on the part of a preacher in his dress, conduct, and speech, not only opens the doors for temptation, but may provoke comments and accusations that taint one’s reputation for purity. “He’s a ladies man” and “Just can’t keep his hands off the ladies” are comments provoked by the conduct of some.

Too much familiarity with certain ones – much togetherness – where all laugh unblushingly at some shady, suggestive incident or tale, is a sign that one might respond to “a pass” if made. Many have become guilty of sin by traveling this path. Others, though not yielding, have been suspected of yielding by observers of their actions. When preachers have great temptation suddenly thrust upon them, in most cases I’m sure, some look, work, or act on the part of the preacher gave the temptress the idea he might respond. The preacher may have had no thought of conveying such a message, but his careless words or actions did, never the less, leave that impression.

There is never a time or place where God’s teacher can be “off-guard” for his reputation as a servant of God is always at stake. And, reputation, as we have observed, has a tremendous impact for good and evil.

I commend the editor of this paper for devoting an entire issue to the problem of immorality among members of the body of Christ. I doubt that any of us living can correctly assess the damage done to the person directly involved, to those of his immediate family, to the church generally, and to those not Christians. To dismiss the problem with the observation that “we are all human,” or “preachers have feet of clay like everyone else,” is to whitewash it. To equate the sin with saying a bad word when you hit your thumb with a hammer is to fail to take the circumstances into account. To think that a man can have the same influence as he preaches oft the need for moral purity immediately after his confession of sin, is to ignore human nature. In short, the ten areas to be investigated in this special issue seem to me to have been well chosen. I trust that none who read this issue will be guilty of accusing those who have written of being self-righteous. Humility is a quality desperately needed on the part of both those who have fallen into this sin and those who have been able to avoid it. We write, not to hurt those who have sinned, but to encourage others to live above it.

Need To Look Ahead

Living a life free of immorality is sort of like driving an automobile. You have to learn early to put the brakes on well before you intend to stop. You are driving down the street approaching a busy intersection of 40 MPH. The stop sign is directed at you, not the cross traffic. About ten feet before you reach the intersection, you put your brakes on, slide through, and a terrible wreck occurs. When the traffic officer questions you, your defense is that- you put the brakes on. His reply would be, “I observed that from the skid marks, but you didn’t put the brakes on soon enough.” I dare say there has not been a single Christian guilty of an immoral affair in the past ten years but what knew the sin was approaching! Instead of “putting the brakes on,” they continued “full speed ahead” and lives were wrecked. Now notice the effect immorality has on the teacher’s family.

Emotions Aroused

We mentioned a moment ago that lives are wrecked as a result of a teacher’s immorality. Not wrecked beyond repair, but wrecked, nevertheless. We hear the rumor: “It just cannot be true,” we say, and then the confirmation that brings the emotions so varied in nature. First there is sorrow – deep and intense. In most cases, the sorrow on the part of the immediate family is worse than if the person had died. Instead of a soul separated from the body, a soul has been separated from God and that is far worse.

Then when a little time has passed, probably some other emotions begin to surface. Anger is one of them. The thoughtlessness of the act has an impact. How could a man put a faithful wife through such an ordeal? Why didn’t he think about the effect on his children? Probably there have been family members who, for a time, wished that the “forty stripes save one” was still in vogue.

Then there’s the shame. Immorality may not be disgraceful on the part of many in the world today it it is still disgraceful in the eyes of God and faithful Christians. A reader may be inclined to say, “It is no more disgraceful than lying or stealing,” and perhaps that is true, but immorality is still disgraceful. Members of the sinner’s family hang their heads in shame, not for themselves but for the sinner.

Then, there is the emotion of self-incrimination usually endured by the teacher’s family. “Where have I failed?” “What did I do that caused this to happen?” This is a terrible burden to bear and probably some family members carry the load to their graves. It seems that in the more recent past, society has leaned toward the idea that wrongdoing is the result of upbringing, environment, etc., and that little or no blame can be laid at the doorstep of the sinner. We would not write one line that would relieve husbands, wives, children or parents of their God-given responsibilities, but the truth remains that the sinner has responsibility for his own conduct. We have often impressed the truth (from Ezek. 18:20) that the “son does not bear the iniquity of the father,” but it is just as true that the “father does not bear the iniquity of the son. ” Surely the principle would apply as fully to husbands and wives. Diffused throughout all of this is love. No stronger emotion can fill a person’s heart, and out of this comes the patience and forbearance and every deed designed to bring the sinner to repentance and restoration to God and the family. Love may be tarnished, for the moment, but it lives – “love never fails.”

Loss of Credibility

Another thing that must surely happen in a teacher’s family, when immorality has stained the relationship, is a loss of trust, confidence and leadership in those areas where it is most vital. The Holy Spirit, in 1 Corinthians 6:13-20, made it clear that an immoral person lacks respect for himself. He lacks self-esteem. “The body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body” (v. 13b). Think about what it means for a person to voluntarily put himself in a position where he can no longer teach his children what it means to be holy in body. What man or woman wants to be in a position where it must be, “Do as I say, not as I do”?

The story has often been repeated about J.W. McGarvey and his position on instrumental music in the worship. He taught young preachers in his Bible classes that instrumental music was unscriptural and then he would often worship with those churches that used it. His comment, as I recall was, “My influence went with my practice and not my teaching.” All of us lose credibility when we fail to practice what we preach, and it is probably most true at home than anywhere.

The teacher who is guilty of immorality also lacks respect for the Lord Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God. Paul said our bodies are the members of Christ (v. 15). Where is my respect for Christ when I will use my body in an immoral way? Not only that, but our bodies are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (v. 19). If I make the dwelling place so filthy He can’t live there, how much respect have I shown for the Occupant? Also, God owns our bodies and He is to be glorified in them (vv. 19-20). If I use my body so that it reflects discredit upon the Owner, my conduct shows a lack of regard for the Owner. Hasn’t my credibility (basis of trust) been destroyed by my conduct? How can I lead my family under such circumstances?

A third thing a teacher does who is guilty of immorality, is to reveal his lack of regard for the institution of marriage. In verse 16 of the passage referred to above, we are told: “Know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? For two, saith He, shall be one flesh. ” The $gone flesh” relationship has been reserved by God for marriage and marriage alone. In the beginning (Gen. 2:24), God made Eve for Adam and said that Adam should cleave to Eve, “and they shall be one flesh.” Anyone who has a sexual relationship outside of marriage, shows his disregard for God’s arrangements. In Hebrews 13:4, the writer said, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled . . . ” (NASV). Our point just here is, how can a teacher lead his family into a deep respect for marriage when he does not have a wholesome regard for it?

We try, to the best of our ability, to teach our children to have the kind of vision Moses had. He could see the “reward” far of in eternity, and this motivated him to “refuse to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” (Heb. 11:24). My brothers and sisters in Christ, we plead that you look at the consequences of immorality and before you take the first step in that direction, decide that the price is too great. If the loss of credibility in your own family relationship was the only price you would have to pay, it is far too great!

More Visible Effects

Tragic as it is, a painful reality that almost every immoral teacher must face is the disruption of his relationship with the local congregation. This disruption has a number of serious side effects, but we are concerned here with the effect on the teacher’s family. Moving is never easy on the family, but to move “under a cloud” must be especially difficult. There is probably not a preacher among us but what has spent some near-sleepless nights over a move and the effect it would have on his family. Will the children be “provoked to wrath” (Eph. 6:4), by being taken away from their friends and moved into a strange city? Is it fair to the wife to be put through this strain again? Am I doing the right thing? Will my move benefit the church I am leaving as well as the one to which I am going? Then after much prayer and the encouragement of the family to do what we believe to be best for the Lord’s cause, the decision is made. But can you imagine a move being necessary because of immorality? This move is not one that is planned to take place during the summer months, but comes in the middle of a school year. The wife does not rejoice in the inconveniences she has to endure instead, she has to pack, leave dear friends, and face new ones from whom the truth must be hidden, because her husband did not practice self-control.

But much more tragic than the disruption of the family’s living arrangements, is the disruption in the family unity itself. How often in recent years have we known of deacons, elders, preachers and other Christians who have fallen prey to immorality and have been unwilling to repent. In some cases divorce has resulted and separation in others. This writer can understand how a person might, under strong temptation, be guilty of an act of immorality, but I am completely unable to comprehend how a knowledgeable teacher of God’s Word could decide to go to hell in order to maintain an unlawful sexual relationship! Jesus one time asked the question, “For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul, Or what shall a man give in “change for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). Perry Como at one time had a song being played quite often that was titled, “It’s Just Impossible.” As he spoke of his love for a woman he said, “I would sell my very soul and not regret it.” Sadly we have to say that it is not just a song Como used to sing; it is a refrain being sung by too many members of the church today. Too many children have seen their parents’ relationship dissolved because lust was conceived and allowed to control the life. James, over 1900 years ago, penned these lines: “Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (Jas. 1:14-15).

Throughout this article, I have wanted to use the word “selfish” and perhaps now is the time to apply it. Among all the other causes for the terrible situation that exists among members of the Lord’s church in regard to immorality, selfishness must rank near the top. To see the agony through which a faithful mate must pass, and the grief that overflows the hearts of the children, a man would have to be selfish to the core to cause that for a season of pleasure. In Philippians 2:2-8, the concern a Christian ought to have for others is emphasized. “Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

May all who read these lines have the wisdom to look down the road and see the consequences of immorality. Think of the emotions that will be aroused in the hearts of your own family. Consider what it means to lose credibility in the eyes of those with whom you have the closest personal relationship in this life. Let your mind dwell on what it will mean to your wife and children to have to move, but, most of all, think what it would mean to see your family unit destroyed by your lust and immorality. We hope that these considerations will help to stem the tide of immorality that threatens the church for which Jesus died.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 11-13
January 5, 1984

By Herschel Patton

A sage has said “What you are thunders so loud I cannot hear what you say.” It has ever been true that to be an effective teacher one must practice what he or she teaches.

“Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and Angels know of us” (Paine, New Dictionary of Thoughts). What men and women think of us affects our teaching effectiveness. Thus, the Lord said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). He severely censured those “who say and do not” (Matt. 23:3). Our reputation, therefore, has a great impact upon those we seek to teach. It will either cause them to listen attentively and obediently, or turn them away in disgust. Teachers cannot be too careful about their reputation. If people are going to be induced to accept the truth, their teacher must be one who walks in truth. Flaws in the teacher will hamper the effectiveness of teaching, either turning people “off” or lead them to accept the flaws.

Carefulness about reputation is even more important when we realize that just one flaw or slip-up may damage the effectiveness of a teacher with many and for years. “A fair reputation is a plant delicate in it’s nature, and by no means rapid in its growth. It will not shoot up in a night, like the gourd of the prophet, but like the gourd, it may perish in a night” (Jeremy Taylor, New Dictionary of Thoughts).

Divorcing Reputation and Teaching

We are living in an . age when the reputation (life-style, personal habits) of a teacher should, in the minds of many, be divorced from the work of teaching. This is the philosophy of humanism, where emphasis is placed upon self-satisfaction without regard to others. It is argued that homosexuality or any chosen life-style has no effect upon one’s work of teaching, or any other work, and should be ignored in all cases. This philosophy is wide-spread and very influential today, even in high places, including the church.

Just recently a high court ruled that a school teacher, unmarried but pregnant, who had been fired by a school board, was to be reinstated to her job and given back pay. The school board argued that the influence of the teacher upon her young students was not good and out of line with the moral concepts of her students and their parents. It is a sad day when the high courts of the land will encourage and promote immorality over morality and decency, which are the fruit of faith.

This thinking in religious circles, especially the church, is particularly absurd and ridiculous in view of the Bible teaching that what the teacher is cannot be separated from the teaching. In fact, it is the impact of what the teacher is and teaches that caused the Holy Spirit to warn, “My brethren, be not many teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (Jas. 3:1).

Impact of Reputation

Besides the sins of adultery, lying, and murder committed by David, God’s king and religious leader, the prophet in indicting him said, “Because of this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme” (2 Sam. 12:14).

David repented of his sins, and was forgiven, but the impact of sin on the part of this religious leader upon others (giving them occasion to blaspheme) and his own personal hurt and loss (death of the child), he could do nothing about. This is an example of the impact of a leader’s reputation when he sins.

I have known preachers, elders, deacons, song leaders, and class teachers falling into fleshly and doctrinal sin. Some never returned unto the Lord, but become complete apostates. Others repented and worked diligently at rebuilding their reputation.

Enemies of the Lord and “the Faith” like to point with glee to the apostasy of former “pillars” in the church. When those “of reputation” in the church apostatize, it always gives occasion for enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. This is the impact of a teacher’s damaged reputation.

Even those who repent and retain their faith cannot take away this impact of their sin, except through time and effort given to regrowing that fragile plant of reputation which was broken. The future work of one whose repuation has been shattered will be hindered and this is part of the impact of a damaged reputation. Another lesson is to be presented in this series of “Putting the Pieces Back Together”, which will deal with how soon and to what extent one who has fallen can effectively resume his former leadership position. I do not want to infringe upon that article, but whatever such an individual is deprived of, or made to suffer, as consequences of his fall is a part of the impact of a damaged reputation and, therefore, also a part of my subject.

When one thus sins, even though he genuinely repents and is forgiven by the Lord and brethren, he should not desire or expect brethren to immediately put him back into a leadership role because of the impact of a damaged reputation upon others. Enemies of the Lord will not know of the repentance, or if they have heard, call it superficial and insincere, and will continue to use the sin as an occasion to blaspheme. Too, younger people in the church, when they see one quickly filling a leadership roll after sinning so greviously, may conclude that if they thus fell, the consequences wouldn’t be so bad – that the damage done from the standpoint of personal hurt to themselves, others, and giving occasion for enemies to blaspheme can be just as quickly removed and forgotten as the forgiveness of God. This, of course, just is not so.

Elders who are aware of and greatly concerned about the impact of reputation are wise and right when they, before restoring a penitent fallen one to a teaching or leadership role, require time and diligence for growing again that tender plant of reputation that was so quickly and grievously broken.

Servants of the Lord need to realize that when they fall into sin, fleshly or doctrinally, they not only must have the forgiveness of God and brethren, but must suffer certain consequences of their sin even after being forgiven. David learned this in the loss of the child, the influence for evil on his other children, and the tormenting knowledge that the Lord was being blasphemed because of his sin. Truly, “A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eye on the spot where the crack was” (Josheph Hall, New Dictionary of Thoughts). This is just part of the impact of a leaders broken reputation.

Other Areas

Reputation is to be highly guarded, not only in regard to fleshly sins, but even in areas of human judgment. The Holy Spirit directs us to “provide things honest in the sight of all men” (Rom. 12:17). “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5).

Paul, when collecting funds to be taken to Jerusalem for poor saints, required that others “of reputation” among the churches be selected to travel with him “avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Cor. 8:20-21).

There have been instances of men, with good reputations, being found guilty of stealing from the Lord’s treasury. It is wise for two or three men to count the collection, and the treasurer give an itemized report regularly of income and expenditures. This would not only remove the temptation for one to steal from the treasury, but would keep one from being suspected or accused.

Preachers often lay themselves open for adverse criticism by going to houses to talk with a woman with a problem, or meeting them in the church office where the two are alone together for a period of time. Carefulness on the part of a preacher in taking his wife with him, or having the woman meet him in his home instead of the office, could save one from actual sin or reputation-destroying rumors.

Carelessness on the part of a preacher in his dress, conduct, and speech, not only opens the doors for temptation, but may provoke comments and accusations that taint one’s reputation for purity. “He’s a ladies man” and “Just can’t keep his hands off the ladies” are comments provoked by the conduct of some.

Too much familiarity with certain ones – much togetherness – where all laugh unblushingly at some shady, suggestive incident or tale, is a sign that one might respond to “a pass” if made. Many have become guilty of sin by traveling this path. Others, though not yielding, have been suspected of yielding by observers of their actions. When preachers have great temptation suddenly thrust upon them, in most cases I’m sure, some look, work, or act on the part of the preacher gave the temptress the idea he might respond. The preacher may have had no thought of conveying such a message, but his careless words or actions did, never the less, leave that impression.

There is never a time or place where’God’s teacher can be “off-guard” for his reputation as a servant of God is always at stake. And, reputation, as we have observed, has a tremendous impact for good and evil.

The Broken Pinion

By. H. Butterworth

I walked through the woodland meadows,

Where sweet the thrushes sing,

And I found on a bed of mosses

A bird with a broken wing.

I healed its wound, and each morning

It sang its old, sweet strain;

But the bird with a broken pinion

Never soared as high again.

I found a young life broken

By sin’s seductive art,

And touched with Christ-like pity.

I took him to my heart.

He lived with a noble purpose,

And struggled not in vain;

But the life that sin had stricken

Never soared as high again.

But the bird with the broken pinion

Kept another from the snare;

And the life that sin had stricken

Raised another from despair.

Each loss has its compensation –

There is healing for every pain;

But the bird with the broken pinion

Never soars as high again.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 1, pp. 9-11
January 5, 1984