Ted Haggard’s
Sexual Immorality
Dan Corner
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Recently, the immoral lifestyle of Ted Haggard has been exposed before the whole world. Two striking details about it from outside sources reflect the intensely dark spiritual hour we are living in. Ponder them, if you will.
First, as Joyce Meyers discussed Haggard’s immorality with Dianne Sawyer, Haggard’s need for help was mentioned. Sadly, however, the Biblical means for that help—repentance—was never cited. Repentance (turning from sin), pleading with God for mercy and placing a submissive faith in Jesus is the Biblical means of getting free from any sin addiction, as strong and controlling as that wicked abomination may be. Counseling and/or psychology are never a substitute for repentance.
Secondly, Haggard (while in his sexual immorality) is still considered a Christian by some. Shockingly, even without repentance, Ted Haggard is still looked upon as a member of the body of Christ:
A woman from Haggard’s congregation said: “We all love him because he’s a part of our family. You don’t just throw away a sister or brother.”
Haggard was exposed and thereafter admitted his guilt, but this isn’t the same as repentance. Haggard stated:
The fact is I am guilty of sexual immorality ... I am a deceiver and a liar. There’s a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I have been warring against it for all of my adult life.
Rev. 21:8 reads:
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
Like many others, he must get forgiven or into the lake of fire he will be thrown. Instead, the smeared and debauched image of Christianity in our day allows for this horrendous image to be unashamedly presented before the world as part of being a Christian.
Sadly, these two related disturbing issues have not been a topic of discussion among those who profess to go by the Biblical standard, though. The vast majority who profess to be Bible believing Christians seem to be spiritually dead and deceived as they continue down the road to hell thinking they are on the road to heaven. May God help us all.
Another Scandal
For the real Christians who will read this, please remember there have been scandals throughout the history of the Bible for thousands of years—Saul, David, Solomon, Peter, Judas, etc.
It is very hurtful for any professing Christian leader (real or bogus), especially with a vast circle of influence, to come into disrepute. That is true, especially because of all the people that could be stumbled by such as well as the hurtful image of Christianity it portrays. Hence, the Biblical qualifications for spiritual leadership are first a godly character, then sound doctrine (Titus 1; 1 Tim. 3). In our day, however, these two qualifications have been disregarded. Hence, why shouldn’t there be a multitude of so-called church scandals among such leaders. The church of our day is a cheap counterfeit. It has very little in common with first-century Christianity, as revealed in Scripture.
Finally, regardless who may be exposed for wicked behavior, the truth of God will continue to stand unharmed. Though the God-rejecters rejoice in scandals, God’s truth can never be hurt. It is forever settled. Rather than let Haggard’s example hurt anyone spiritually, focus instead upon the Lord Jesus and the wonderful salvation he provides for all who are walking free from any form of sinful addiction due to repentance and faith in Jesus.
GOD BLESS YOU.
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