Fellow Christians, I am struggling?

Question

I am really struggling with the whole Ted Haggard thing. Shouldn't Pastors and Priest be held to a higher standard? I know we are all human but how can we listen to a follower of Christ who commits such blasphemy? These are the things that make others call us hypocrites; he just took all of us one step back in the minds of the secular world. He has caused so much damage. How can I get past this?

Answer 1

You get past this by taking the opportunity to FORGIVE him. Many times, the hardest thing we can do is forgive when we believe someone is so much in the wrong.

As you grow in your faith, you must always remember that part of you remains human...and vulnerable to temptation.

How can you listen? Heed the word and not the messenger. God is able to use the most evil to do His will.

Held to a higher standard? If they are truly called by God to that position, then they are there by God's will. Who are we to know if his (T.H.) was a true calling or just his attempt to mask his inner desires/lusts?

Try to look at this as YOUR opportunity to openly profess your faith in the one true God, and salvation thru His Son, Jesus. Nobody claims to be perfect when becoming Christian. Just forgiven.

The things that others call us remain the same. Sometimes the noise is louder than other times. Sometimes not. Don't be distracted by them.

Pray for him and his family. And forgive him with all of your heart.

Answer 2

I agree it is so hard to convince non-believers that Christians are on this earth to love, and live their lives as Christ lived his when such well known evangelists commit sins. Because "they're not supposed to" right? But the fact is - people sin. ALL people sin - Christians included. I pray that people understand that the reason I am a Christian is because I am screwed up and need Gods help. I want to live like Jesus and I will try to do that every moment of my life - but I'm not Jesus - and I'll never come close to being Jesus. There are a few things God wants from us, I'm sure you know what they are, so just remember you are not Ted Haggard, and you are not God.

Answer 3

Just because one man falls from grace doesn't mean you should now have doubt within your own faith. Don't judge the entire religion on one man's actions. Know that there are others that believe in your faith that remain strong in it and will continue to live their lives the way they believe. The person telling you to read "The God Delusion" is quite unsympathtic to your current feelings as the author of this book, (Richard Dawkins) a well known atheist. Dawkins has long asserted that belief in God is both irrational and profoundly harmful to society and this book will bring you no peace nor will it help you in your current scenario.

Just know that not all are like Haggard and there are some that are true to their beliefs. Such as yourself.

Answer 4

Hi, We should all be held to a higher standard as Christians. But, we are all still human and all subject to sin, which is why we are to study, pray and serve the Lord, "be like him, Christ" so we do not fail in our example. Because when we fail we let other folks down like yourself and allow the word to mock us and in turn the Lord. You are responsible to the Lord, so don't let this Ted fellow's bad example destroy your faith, keep your eyes on Christ not Christian leaders. Go read Romans 5:1-11 for some hope!
grace

Answer 5

First of all I agree. I dont understand how someone is against gay marriages but ..... well........ u know what he did and paid for.......it is like he is a hypocrite. But dont let his mistake make the future ones pay for it. I know, it seems like we cant even trust our minister or pastor these days. But u can get past this. It will be hard but have faith that this will end in a place a person turns to for trust, faith, guidance and most of all answers. Believe in God. We are all human, flesh and bone but that doesnt give him the right to do something like that. He is a man of God and that title should be upheld in such a manner.

Answer 6

Pray for Pastor Haggard.
We should not hold anyone higher than God. We can not rely on man, for man is flawed.
Pray for God to take away your bitterness, and resentment. Your heart should be going out to him and his family. Pray for healing in his life. Pray for his congregation.
Pastors are not perfect shepards.
How many times do people give advice, then say do as I say not as I do. Our faith is a daily struggle. He knows Gods word. He should have confessed and had people pray for him. He tried to keep things a secret. He was human, and always will be.

Answer 7

What happened with that "pastor" is the very reason we as individuals need to study God's word, in our home every day, so we won't be fooled by inposters ,who just hide behind the pulpit, and were never called to that puplit as a man of God to begin with.

There are going to me many many more false teachers and prophets and false leaders of the church in the end times of which we now live.

The wonderful thing is that God has armed you with the very weapon to use againt those false teachers and church leaders. Its' you very own bible. If you study God's word, and He plants the truth in your heart from vigorous study, there is absolutely no way you will be decieved by a false teacher.

The greatest part of being a Chrsitian is that the Holy Spirit that lives inside you, and recognize the same spirit in other Christian that you remain in contact with. It will also let you know if that person who claims to be a Christian really isnt' one. Here is an example of what I am sharing with you...

Luke 1:41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost:

Both unborn babies, Jesus and John the baptist felt the holy Ghost communicate from womb to womb while mary and Elisabeth stood facing each other.

The Holy Ghost that lives within us today speaks to us much in the same way. We can actually feel our spirits connect when we are close to another true christian, or hear them speak. Embrace the gifts that God has blessed you with. Embrace His word by reading your bible every day. Spend quaility time with the Lord every day, and not just on Sundays or when you are in need of His help.

Answer 8

No, they aren't held to any higher standard, and shouldnt be expected to be better than anybody else. But we should question their leadership and always be careful when we put our faith in men.

As for hypocrites, well we all have our moments when someone sees us preach one thing and then do the other.

And for getting over it, pray, think, and read the Bible. And try just discussing the whole thing with others.

Answer 9

The bible says that many will say they are sent by Him. They will call themselves followers of Christ. They will even say and believe some of the same things we do. In Colossians Paul wrote to the people of Colossia of these very type of people. People that said they were Christans and believed in Jesus but also thought he was a head Angel. And that they should all worship angels.. In short not everyone that says they are Christans are.

Answer 10

dear sis,I am Catholic and I too had great difficulty what with the scandal of my own Priests in recent times so I know how you must feel,it is betrayal and hard to fathom because we place such store by our ministers,I can only say to you that we must not get too discouraged because after all they are only human vessels, and not immune to sin.
remember too that satan works doubly hard on Priests and Ministers because if they fall they have the potential to take many faithful with them,please pray for those in positions of religious authority because it wounds the very heart of our Saviour when his own betray Him, Judas caused the Lord great personal anguish.
you are a good Christian and Christ needs you in these diabolical times to strengthen your brothers and sisters.
be at peace and trust in your Lord and Saviour and you and me and those who have been hurt will be alright.
God bless us all.