How many of the great ones have fallen? In the Bible you have David and Saul as well as Ananias and Saphira. In the past century we see great leaders whose names have been tarnished by deeds done in what they thought were secret. The list of fallen heroes of the faith is long and is an embarrassment to the name of Christ. Poverty Warrior don’t let this happen to you. First examine your life. Consider any secrets you might have. I am not talking about what you are getting your spouse for Christmas sort of things. But what in your life if exposed to the life would be an embarrassment? Why are you keeping it in the dark? Often times fear is our enemy. But you are a warrior my friend. Take aim at the fear. Be wise in how you reveal the information. My recommendation is to start closer and nearer. Talk it over with those that you trust the most. Be strategic in how you bring the issue into the light. Regardless make sure those that are a pivotal part of your life are brought in on the information first. Honestly, you do not want your spouse to find out about an affair on social media or the network news. It may end up there and that is a risk. But start closer.
Better yet, don’t make choices that you will feel that you must hide. I have spent much time thinking about those that have fallen. Where did they go wrong?
In the case of David, Judas, Ananias and Saphira I would suggest that they lost touch with the Fear of the Lord. They grew in the belief that the rules did not really apply to them and that God would not notice. The rules of the times said David was to go to war. Maybe there was some legitimate reason that David did not go with the troops at least initially. However, the rules said that since he was King he needed to go with his armies. But it is hard sleeping on the ground, eating food on the move and facing danger from enemies. Maybe the weather was stormy and a building is very nice when it is cold and wet. Additionally, there were no women on campaign. David liked his women but maybe not as much as his son Soloman but David had many wives. Being king is not always comfortable. But that is the point. To impact the world you must choose to be uncomfortable sometimes. David chose comfort.
Judas was among the original Apostles. In fact he was so trusted that they asked him to hold the money. Wow what a vote of confidence! However, at some point Judas decided that he could help himself to the money. The rules did not apply to him.
Ananias and Saphira sold some land and then lied to the church about the offering. They could very well have said, “I sold the land for X number of denarii and of that I am donating Y number of denarii.” That would have been perfectly legitimate. However, they wanted to look good. The rules of looking good for what you REALLY do did not apply to them. The Holy Spirit struck them down.
Poverty Warrior, the rules do apply to you. Stay humble, desire to feel the Fear of the Lord and experience more freedom to serve those in poverty. The goal here is not to try to earn our salvation which you cannot do anyway. The goal here is to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant.”
