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Aren’t you glad you’re not me?

Man, I’m worn out!

Yesterday, I spent the better portion of the day answering questions and engaged in discussions with people who are concerned and confused about this Todd Bentley situation.

For those who are unfamiliar, all I can say is “Google it.”

Three Christians in particular – all who shall remain nameless because I love them and respect Christ in them – have been relentlessly trying to expose every one of Todd’s sins so that the Body of Christ and others might be spared from the diabolical Bentley.

They succeeded.

They have their pound of flesh and are holding their heads high now that he’s folded up his tent and his marriage is broken. These people are basing their attacks on every verse of Scripture imaginable that they could find to justify their actions. Some of these have been taken out of context while none were based on the teachings of Christ.

It’s sad.

In Matthew 25, Jesus said, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Some of these well-meaning individuals stated that they’d been praying for Todd all along. Praying but slandering him simultaneously? James 3:11 comes to mind: “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?”
They’d better watch out. A sharp attorney could make life needlessly miserable for them no matter how true their accusations may be.

If Todd did anything wrong, frankly, in the eyes of God, it was: (A) all forgiven at the cross – he is still in right standing with God ONLY because of the blood of Jesus, same as everybody else (B) there will be consequences; God is not mocked (C) it was no worse than anything anyone else has ever done; sin is sin, after all.

One of Todd’s accusers used the phrase, “there is nothing good in Todd.” Excuse me but there’s none good but God, brother.

A fly on the wall in any one of our lives could make us all look bad on any given occasion. The way we talk about others in private, the tone we use with our spouses and kids, the way we steward our money, our viewing and  entertainment preferences, the way we eat, the thing we drink the way we react to whatever comes our way, including bad drivers.

Even the articles, blogs and eMail we publish.

Yet, we are so quick to shine the “light of truth” on someone else’s short-comings. Why? Because it take the focus off our own! It makes us feel and look better.

So we think.

Truth is, when it comes to the things of the King, the way we mis-handle our brethren is a cold slap in the face of Jesus when we publicly disgrace Him. It reflects a disjointed Body of Christ, and weakens the resolve of many onlookers of all denominations. Whether it’s a pedophile priest, a minister sex practices or a Todd Bentley, the world is watching.

The #1 cause of atheism? The Church. Crusaders like the ones I encountered yesterday - people whose hearts are in the right place but who resort to resolving these issues on a soulish level – THEY are my concern.  Not just them but many others LIKE them. They just made the Top Ten on my Prayer List, that’s for sure.

How often do we feel that “if it’s to be, it’s up to me” and go charging into situations like a bull in a China shop, essentially proclaiming our  “lordship” over a situation? We become spiritual Dudley Do-Right’s, like mighty Mouse we rush in singing, “Here I come to save the daaaaay!”

When did we ever start serving God as His consultants? Where are the Jehosaphat’s among us who are willing to send forth praise in the midst of warfare, trusting God to handle His Church as we merely stand and see the glory of the Lord?

The damage has been done. As I told one of Todd’s pursuers, “You may as well have torn open a pillow on a windy day and try and retrieve the feathers.” All we can do now is wait for the fall-out. Trust me, it’s next on Geraldo.

Here’s the good news: God isn’t wringing His hands over Todd nor the Saints who’ve exposed him. From Swaggart to Haggard, Catholics to Charismatics, God is simply WAY too big to be moved by the shenanigans of a wordly church.

My advice? Keep your eyes squarely focused on Jesus and the establishment of that relationship. Read His teachings, try your best to be an imitator of His actions. Put into practice all the “one another’s” of Scripture.  Get involved in the Father’s Business and He will take car of yours.

To those who debated me yesterday on this issue, I have a Word from God for you: Repent! Don’t utter another word on this subject unless it’s alone in your prayer closet with the Father.

Remember, Proverbs 6:16-19 warns us: “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him.” Among these are a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Regardless of how true the reports about Todd may be, Todd is NOT anybody’s problem but God’s. Let he who is without sin cast the next stone.
A friend asked “Where’s the love in all this?” Good question. Read the famous “Love” verses from 1 Corinthians 13. Insert your own name wherever you see the word “love.” I did this once in a church service and it left the congregation bathing in tears of conviction:
________ is patient and kind.
________ is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude
________ does not demand its own way.
________ is not irritable
________ keeps no record of being wronged
________ does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out
________never gives up, never loses faith
________is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
Every blessing,
Michael Tummillo
A servant of God
http://www.ourTown4Jesus.com