The Imitable Life

The “Me-Too Movement,” as it’s called, is still alive, but waining somewhat in the news as other issues take centerstage. Inappropriate sexual behavior in its many forms is nothing new. What does seem new is the reaction to it in this culture and who’s reacting.

It should not come as a surprise that people in the world behave in ways that are less-than morally pure. Where would the gossip magazines and TV shows be if they all did? (Soap operas are exaggerated reflections of real life, aren’t they?) We can safely assume that the real-life revolving doors of multiple partners and manifold marriages amongst celebrities don’t result from serious adherence to marriage vows.

So, we know hanky-panky happens. It’s just intriguing to suddenly see a selective moral conscience of sorts in a world where the mention of morality would normally make one the object of derision. Of course, this sudden moral consciousness is not based upon a biblical standard, but one the culture can agree upon: was the immorality “consensual?” Interesting. What never seems to matter is the basic immorality itself. There’s a void of godly character, or concern for it. Not surprising.

We wrestle with these issues today as if they are new. They keep us glued to the TV and other media. Who’s next? But really, they’re as ancient as humanity. David sinned, one might say (although it could be debatable), consensually with Bathsheba. It led to serious problems, not the least of which was the murder of her husband, Uriah the Hittite.

Fast-forward to the next generation. David’s son, Amnon desperately lusts after his half-sister, Tamar. He connives his way into a non-consensual, inappropriate sexual encounter (it’s rape) with her. Culturally, she now looks like a prostitute as a result. She is shamed…ruined. The debacle leads to David’s other son, Absolom, full brother of Tamar, avenging her and having Amnon killed. The kingdom is eventually split over it. Absolom’s relationship with David is never the same.

But, where did Amnon learn the immoral behavior? Unfortunately, he knew his father had abused his authority to get what he wanted with Bathsheba. As one pastor put it, “The first ingredient to a dysfunctional home is setting a bad example.” And that’s exactly what David had done for his oldest son Amnon. He was likely 17 or 18 years old when David took another man’s wife into his bedroom, slept with her and ultimately had her husband killed to cover up the resulting pregnancy. Character matters. Those who respect us are watching.

I have great respect for David in terms of his confession, his broken and contrite heart over his sin. God gave him grace. But, his lack of integrity from a position of leadership brought severe, ongoing consequences. He and his family were never the same. Every decision must be weighed before the resulting act that could affect generations to come.

We see it in once-successful ministries; pastors who make immoral choices. Like those in the spotlight we’re currently seeing in various other walks of life, “inappropriate sexual behavior” topples the work of pastors too. Unfortunately, their pattern is often to see themselves as so indispensable to the Kingdom that they waste little time jumping back into the pulpit. Some (and I’ve talked to them) cite David as their excuse. I’ve gently reminded one or two, “God never anointed you as king or gave you an everlasting throne.” Not only do they damage the reputation of Christ, but if they minimize their behavior, they give tacit permission to those who look to them with respect to do the same. Another victory for the evil one.

In The Letter to the Hebrews, the writer spends the first 12 chapters basically calling the readers to a proper doctrine, calling them back from their tendency to run to the safety of their Judaism and its legalism, to relying on grace through faith in Jesus. But, that faith must be demonstrated in an ethical life. Chapter 13 describes that; love people, be sexually pure, don’t love money, etc. He gives no less than eight examples of what it looks like to live an obedient life of faith.

We sometimes make the terrible mistake of overlooking the grief we cause God in choosing to violate His moral standards and exploit His grace. But, perhaps if we consider the consequences of the damage we do to others, especially those looking to us with respect, it will serve as a second net of protection against a damaging decision.

“Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” ─HEBREWS 13:7–8