A pastor in the Amarillo area was arrested this week because of sin--a young pastor we know and love. The media is having a field day with it and this was my son's response in support of his friend on Facebook.
Lets just be real...
The news isn't going to drop a story that has created a whirlwind of clamor. The church cringes with every comment made by an unbelieving cheer section, happy with the failures of the lie that is the church. But how SHOULD we handle it?
Like this...
My name is Matt. I'm the chiefest of all sinners. In my short lifetime, I have managed to make more regrettable mistakes than I really want you to know about, but I'm going to tell you anyway. I'll tell you not because I want to glorify the past or even the rise from the past. I want to glorify the one who was able to take my shit, and make it clean.
You see, I was into prostitution, and I was a prostitute of sorts myself. I was an adulterous husband who chose to think and act selfishly. It all started with a porn (prostitution) addiction, a careless desire for my drug of choice. It consumed every good thing in my life, chewed it up and spit it out; but it didn't end there. I've heard it said that sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay and cost you more than you want to pay. I'm living proof of this most hurtful reality.
I know what it feels like to carry shame with your head held low. I know what it feels like to do the unthinkable and unforgivable to the one you love most. I know what it feels like to lose everything you care most about. I know what it feels like to imagine you'll never be worth anything to anyone ever again. I know what it feels like to think you've destroyed the futures of your children. I know what it feels like to carry this unimaginable burden. I know what it feels like to lie, steal, cheat and become the worst of failures; but God...
I now know what it feels like to have this burden of shame lifted. I know what it feels like to have hope again. I know what it feels like to be free. I know what it feels like when your kids finally say "I love You," when you never thought it possible. Most of all, I know what it feels like to have Jesus say, "I paid for that, because I love you!"
Is there something in your life that has taken you further, kept you longer, and cost you more than you expected? If so, I have the answer. His name is Jesus, and He loves you more than you could ever imagine. His real church will love, accept and restore you to better than you ever thought possible; and out of the ashes you will give hope to others who are hurting and dying without hope.
So if you feel the need to share a story that will shock the masses, share this one...
Matt Dietz is a builder in the Amarillo area. He's also a singer and song writer, having just produced the album, Galaxy. He leads worship for the youth in his church--where his two daughters also attend.
