Angie.... embracing you, your husband and your kids with flowing prayers. There is soooo much love and respect for your firm and graceful transparency. Mos def with you....
Angie. I’m so sorry. This journey has been so unfair to you and to others. There is a truth I’ve learned the hard way about leaders, Christian’s, Christian leaders, and myself - I admired many leaders God put in my 3 decades as a staff pastor working for large and small congregations in Midwest USA. I have served as a full time pastor in over 10 churches or Christian organizations. And half of those, my boss, my senior pastor, I discovered serious character flaws.
And when I spoke about them, mentioned those flaws, sometimes I was fired, (made to resign. That looks so much better) sometimes I was demoted or punished some other way.
Chris is, sadly, not an isolated scenario. Rather - he is an accurate representation of what we see in the Super Christian Leaders we are so amazed by.
We are amazed for good reason. Usually the kind that harm us the most are extreme gifted, charismatic, seductive (in bad ways and good) and - the public train wreck often comes later.
But long before we see the fall, God was already offended by the pride, manipulation, hypocrisy, spiritual abuse that often seems “normal” or “our fault for noticing.”
The fact is, Jesus and the hosts of heaven are never amazed at the stature of human beings as we do.
In fact, it’s the opposite.
Heaven is amazed by humility. Weakness. Compassion for others. Sacrifice. Moral purity in the midst of temptations everywhere.
I wrote a book about the Pharisee within each of us. Chris was one of the endorsers of my book.
I am not at all happy with Chris”s actions. He must repent. I’m so glad you forgave him.
Here’s what I think we all need to repent of in 2022 and ongoing - treating these “super Christians” with A list celebrity-like attention and admiration… when Jesus would have done just like he did all the time when he was living here in earth doing his ministry - he wouldn’t have noticed Chris or anyone of us who has a position, or some kind of human accomplishment… he would have walked up to that beaten and mistreated girl and shouted out loud to all who hear “This girl! This should be whom you emulate, if you must emulate someone. This girl is your example! She suffered deeply yet forgave! She is broken and at my feet because she needs my help immediately! This is the only posture that impresses heaven! This girl is one day going to be raised up and elevated in her eternal place - right next to Me! And those of you who have been elevated in this life - you have had your reward! If you get yo heaven - guess who I will place over you to rule you! Yes!!! Oh yes! If your lucky!
So, since you will be least in the Kingdom of heaven then, you better treat those less than you with due honor - because it’s the least and only the least that impresses ME at all!
Enough with these follies of man in the minds of My people! You are all equals in my sight! If you desire to partake in heavens reward, you must wash the feet of your brothers and sisters! If your too “powerful” to do this now - your not a good fit for my family in heaven!”
Okay I’m done sorry!
It’s time we all wash each other’s feet - and not as a device, or in vain - but for real! To truly consider others better than ourselves!
I applaud your courage and pray for continued clarity and strength moving forward. I believe you.
Oh, Angie. I'm so sorry. I believe you. 🫂
I’m so sorry that you went through this.
Angie.... embracing you, your husband and your kids with flowing prayers. There is soooo much love and respect for your firm and graceful transparency. Mos def with you....
I believe you and I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing.
I support you and applaud your courage to speak of your experience. It is not an easy thing to do and I commend you! We have your back.
I'm so deeply sorry. I believe you. 💔
I am so sorry
Angie. I’m so sorry. This journey has been so unfair to you and to others. There is a truth I’ve learned the hard way about leaders, Christian’s, Christian leaders, and myself - I admired many leaders God put in my 3 decades as a staff pastor working for large and small congregations in Midwest USA. I have served as a full time pastor in over 10 churches or Christian organizations. And half of those, my boss, my senior pastor, I discovered serious character flaws.
And when I spoke about them, mentioned those flaws, sometimes I was fired, (made to resign. That looks so much better) sometimes I was demoted or punished some other way.
Chris is, sadly, not an isolated scenario. Rather - he is an accurate representation of what we see in the Super Christian Leaders we are so amazed by.
We are amazed for good reason. Usually the kind that harm us the most are extreme gifted, charismatic, seductive (in bad ways and good) and - the public train wreck often comes later.
But long before we see the fall, God was already offended by the pride, manipulation, hypocrisy, spiritual abuse that often seems “normal” or “our fault for noticing.”
The fact is, Jesus and the hosts of heaven are never amazed at the stature of human beings as we do.
In fact, it’s the opposite.
Heaven is amazed by humility. Weakness. Compassion for others. Sacrifice. Moral purity in the midst of temptations everywhere.
I wrote a book about the Pharisee within each of us. Chris was one of the endorsers of my book.
I am not at all happy with Chris”s actions. He must repent. I’m so glad you forgave him.
Here’s what I think we all need to repent of in 2022 and ongoing - treating these “super Christians” with A list celebrity-like attention and admiration… when Jesus would have done just like he did all the time when he was living here in earth doing his ministry - he wouldn’t have noticed Chris or anyone of us who has a position, or some kind of human accomplishment… he would have walked up to that beaten and mistreated girl and shouted out loud to all who hear “This girl! This should be whom you emulate, if you must emulate someone. This girl is your example! She suffered deeply yet forgave! She is broken and at my feet because she needs my help immediately! This is the only posture that impresses heaven! This girl is one day going to be raised up and elevated in her eternal place - right next to Me! And those of you who have been elevated in this life - you have had your reward! If you get yo heaven - guess who I will place over you to rule you! Yes!!! Oh yes! If your lucky!
So, since you will be least in the Kingdom of heaven then, you better treat those less than you with due honor - because it’s the least and only the least that impresses ME at all!
Enough with these follies of man in the minds of My people! You are all equals in my sight! If you desire to partake in heavens reward, you must wash the feet of your brothers and sisters! If your too “powerful” to do this now - your not a good fit for my family in heaven!”
Okay I’m done sorry!
It’s time we all wash each other’s feet - and not as a device, or in vain - but for real! To truly consider others better than ourselves!
That’s all we are asked to do.
Love in Christ.
Jeff Saxton