He was a respected Lieutenant, who just retired from law enforcement. But after that, he became the top official in a famous university’s security group. He must be the envy of other law enforcement officials. Then….
Not anymore….as my co-workers and I gasped at his booking photo. Booked for molesting a young person at the young age of 14. The teenager had grown to become an adult and turned around and squealed on what he had done. To her counselor, she spoke about the abuse he had done with her. To everyone’s shock!
Who would have thought? When the one who was supposed to protect someone was actually the perpetrator of this ugly crime?
Isn't it true for most of us, believers...that we still fall into sinning?
"But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different than what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Yes, we can overcome falling in the traps of sins. By choosing to do what is right and praying for God's help. Running away from those tempting situation is our first step towards victory.
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory." ~ Colossians 3:1-4
"So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires. Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry. God's terrible anger will come upon those who do such things." ~ Colossians 3:5-6
Friends, sorry if I haven't been able to visit you all. I'm actually on a break but this came to my heart few minutes ago. May God bless all of you and protect you. Thank you for all of your prayers, loving thoughts and encouragements. "Be strong in the Lord's mighty power!"
Rosel,
ReplyDeleteThis is soooo true and much needed so that we can all be reminded to be on guard against sin and the evil one!
Thank you so much for your faithfulness to pray, encourage, and support me. Your friendship is "greatly" treasured.
I pray your break will be filled with GODS presence, peace, love, and comfort!
Hugs,
andrea
Thanks for being a heart encourager sis, love you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your sharings, I've often found them so practical and rich. :) There are 2 ways to respond to others' sins, we can judge them or we can take them as reminders to watch our steps. Many a time we can really identify with the offenders for the Bible says that our heart is deceitfully evil. How often we, children of God have harboured thoughts of unrighteousness and transgressions in our hearts? Everyone falls, one time or another, many times indeed, some acts are found out, some aren't and never will. May God have mercy on us all and transform us that we may really become worthy of His glory.
ReplyDeleteThis is something like what I had gone through in the last season. A wonderful post Rosel.
ReplyDeleteRosel this is great, enjoyed the post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYour post is a grim but timely reminder.
ReplyDeletePraying for you as your continue to be God's ambassador in your workplace. You are a light shining in the darkness.
You are a blessing to your blog readers.
Love
Lidj
Even as believers, we still fall short of his glory. Sin is within the nature of our flesh, we are all guilty of sin-- believers or not. Which is why we are all in need of His grace, unmerited and free. I think the difference is recognizing our sin and actively striving to turn against it. We'll slip up from time to time, but as believers we are called to repent of these sins and strive to turn away from them.
ReplyDeleteThis story reminds me of prominent leaders within the church who admit to disturbing crimes against children. It's a reminder that we must remain alert to our thoughts and our actions. Even the most faithful believer must remain alert to the desires of the flesh and recognize their potential to whittle away at our character, and who we are to be in Christ.
OK, I'll stop preaching now. Sorry! Just such a good post and really speaks to my heart this morning!
Have a great week!!!
Lou
@ sister Lou: Preaching? Apologizing? No!!!! Your footprints are very much treasured here! Because of Him, we become blessings to each other. I thank no one but our Lord! To Him be the glory! God bless.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you as one who came close to falling back in 2003 ... none of us are too secure. God does always provide a door of escape and each of us must choose life.
ReplyDeleteBless you sweet Rosel.
As I read this I'm reminded of the way Galatians 6:2-3 reads in The Message paraphrase:
ReplyDelete"If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived."
This is a great message, Rosel, as all of yours are. Scary to think this girl trusted him as an authority figure. I pray for you every day, my precious friend. May your break be filled with God's peace and love and serenity.
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Mary
A few weeks ago an officer...well respected....won medals and awards....was convicted of raping and killing three women close to where he lived. Others now have come forward. Scary. This is a good post...Stay strong Rosel....take gentle care of yourself ok.
ReplyDelete