Ted Haggard - an analysis

Prior to last week, I'm not sure that I had ever heard of Ted Haggard. Today, anybody who stays on top of the news knows who he is. The media is eating this "scandal" up. I don't know what his theology is like, but I do know that this man has, for many years served the Lord in ministry.

Rather than joining the masses in blasting Haggard, I appeal to my brothers & sisters in Christ to pray for him and to learn from him. Pray for his church, New Life Church of Colorado Springs, CO. Pray for the National Association of Evangelicals, which Haggard has presided over for the last 3 years. I am sure that New Life Church and the NAE will weather this storm & continue to effectively serve our Lord under different leadership. Pray for unity within Haggard's marraige, and within his family. Pray for Jack Hayford & James Dobson, who Haggard has turned to for counseling.

Through this there is a warning for all believers: Be mindful that we do not allow ourselves to drift far from the Lord. How many believers, just like Haggard, have ever stopped spending time with God each day? How many pray less & less? How many do these things and yet still go through the motions of going to church each week, only to live the rest of the week otherwise? As you read this, ask yourself this question with me: How am I any better than Ted Haggard? Perhaps you haven't ever used methamphetamines. Perhaps you've never used or purchased any kind of illegal drug. Perhaps you've never engaged in any kind of extramarital affair (heterosexual or otherwise). When I neglected my relationship with Jesus my language became coarse and I started smoking. I was not being an effective witness to those around me. I blew it. Ted blew it. Chances are, you've probably blown it at some point too. What next? What did you do about it? Or, what are you doing about it???

Draw near to God. Start praying again - regularly. Spend time reading the Bible regularly. Remember that we are saved by grace, and that there is absolutely NOTHING that we can DO to earn God's favor. He will enable you to overcome whatever temptation you are experiencing.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." [James 4:7-8a]