Re: Serious Ethical Question....What would you do?
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Originally Posted by SoCaliUPC
Exactly. Although, in the last couple of hours, the photos have landed in some appropriate hands (I say appropriate because it is where they should be). I did not have to do anything...other than pray.
This is a serious issue and I am not making light of it. This has sat heavily with me all day. At this point, I have just been a recepient of the photos and have asked others NOT to send it on to others. Told them to pray and it seems that is what they have done.
Good for you.. none of us need to know who it is.. not even stmark!
Re: Serious Ethical Question....What would you do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhoni
The Bible doesn't say to take it to the Pastor...it says go to the person.
Blessings, Rhoni
Sounds like you're referring to Matt 18:15-17. But that passage talking about how to deal with a brother who has sinned against you... not a brother who is living a double life in general.
It still remains that it's good practice for a Pastor to be made aware of it if one of his members is living in a sinful manner on the side. Pastors watch out for our souls, so it is appropriate for them to be made aware of such situations.
Notifying one's pastor of such situations is not tattling.
__________________ http://endtimeobserver.blogspot.com
Daniel 12:3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars for ever.
Re: Serious Ethical Question....What would you do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by A_PoMo
Well, I could argue that none of these things this guy has done are necessarily sinful, even if they're unwise and in poor taste. But I realize that many 'sins' are contextual and cultural and in the context and culture of the UPC that they are considered sin so you gotta deal with that reality.
If I barely knew the guy I'd certainly not be so presumptous as to approach him in person. You prob have little credibility with the guy and the person who approaches him must do so in a spirit of brotherhood, which assumes some sort of prior relationship of some intimacy and mutual respect or at the very least some sort of authority. Otherwise he'll most likely be defensive and may make you a target.
I too wonder why you were sent these photos, especially if you barely know him and don't attend his church. Isn't that just smutty high tech gossip? If you're gonna nail this dude I'd certainly be consistent and nail the person spreading the gossip as a gossiper and talebearer. The Bible has plenty to say about those sins that divide the fellowship of brethren. In my view, this sin is much more serious than drinking, dancing, and flipping a bird. But I won't hold my breath that somebody will actually attempt to hold this gossiper accountable for their sin.
With all that said, I'd also consider that maybe this guys was in some sort of spiritual/emotional valley and it was a momentary lapse of judgement on his part. Certainly all of us in the ministry have been there more than once. It goes with the territory and we all have warts. According to XXXChurch most ministers would be in big trouble if the browser history on their computer were published for all to see. I know of a UPC minister recently who was in severe depression due to some personal attacks on his character by another UPC minister and he lapsed back into hold habits of drinking for a short time until he, through prayer and grace, was able to find his center again. He wasn't ever a bad guy, he was just flat on his back in the ring. He took the standing eight count, got back up, and is still fighting the good fight. He's a good guy and it would have been a shame for some, even well meaning, fellow ministers to 'expose' him like that and ruin his reputation. The kingdom is better off with this guy ministering in it, rather than having his character and credibility assasinated by his fellow comrades. Only barbarians kill their own wounded.
This sort of thing doesn't necessarily mean the guy is flawed in his character. Don't assume the worst. That's what they gossiper wants you to think. Be bigger than that and assume the best of the guy and try to help him if you can. If he has bad character then that'll become obvious. If not, maybe he just needs some respect and love from his fellow ministers who are interested in doing what Paul told us to do and that is to do this sort of thing with humility and love and always with the goal of restoration.
JMO.
POMO, You've jumped leaps and bounds on my "respect-o-meter" with this post! LOL
Whatever you do, SoCal, don't be hasty to judge. You're plan on going to God in serious prayer for direction is the best first step.
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To be a servant of God, it will cost us our total commitment to God, and God alone. His burden must be our burden... Sis Alvear
Re: Serious Ethical Question....What would you do?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rhoni
The pictures need burned...Don't post them.
That is of course what I intend to do.... if I can just get my hands on them...
__________________ "It is inhumane, in my opinion, to force people who have a genuine medical need for coffee to wait in line behind people who apparently view it as some kind of recreational activity." Dave Barry 2005
I am a firm believer in the Old Paths
Articles on such subjects as "The New Birth," will be accepted, whether they teach that the new birth takes place before baptism in water and Spirit, or that the new birth consists of baptism of water and Spirit. - THE PENTECOSTAL HERALD Dec. 1945
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I just might already know!
My soul followeth hard after thee....Love one another with a pure heart fervently. 
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