Recently, I have been seeing a worrying trend of sexual immorality amongst many pastors and clergy in the body of Christ in Fiji. Some of these cases have also involved sexual abuse of family members.

I am not writing this to condemn those who committed such acts or those who stood silently by whilst this behavior was happening. Neither am I trying to excuse anyone who do such things. I am writing this to highlight the importance of re-looking at our basic way of living out our Christian values.

It is painful for the body of Christ to realize that the reputation of the body of Christ has been battered and bruised and is in dire need of repair.

I prayerfully recommend the following:

1. We pray
Situations like this should bring us to our knees before our God. Only God can bring justice to victims and comfort to the broken. Ephesians 3:20 says that “He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we may ask or think according to the power that worketh within us”.

God will bring His holiness back to His church and it helps when we pray.

2. We examine our hearts
Our hearts are the best indicator of where we stand in terms of God’s standards. During times of examination, we should be brutually honest before the Lord. Is there a leaning towards something sinful? Do we look at lustful things? Is there a desire for things that are not godly and honorable?

At this point, asking the Lord for His grace to strengthen and help us to overcome is the best way to pray. When we are weak, He is strong…2 Corinthians 12:9

3. We walk in the Spirit
When I was a younger Christian, our church in Lautoka used to have a banner with a scripture behind the pulpit on the wall. It said, “Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfil the lusts of the flesh” Galatians 5:16

There are a lot of people who talk about the Holy Spirit but I still see a lot of messy things happening amongst people who should know better.

It’s a walk and not so much a talk. We have to walk carefully with the Holy Spirit and seek to be obedient to His leading and guidance. The Holy Spirit does not condone sinful activities, especially sexual sins. To be involved in such sins and claim to be led by the Spirit is gross error.

Glorify the Lord
There are a lot more that we can do about this issue in our churches and our personal lives, but these three would be a great starting point.

It is also helpful to remember that whatever happens in the body of Christ, there are many unbelievers who take notice. Let’s glorify the Lord by the way we live our lives so that many will be drawn to Jesus.