How Bible-Believing Christians Should React to News about John Crist's Confession

Tré Goins-Phillips-Opinion : Nov 7, 2019
Faithwire.com

"...Anyone who truly believes in the power of the Good News cannot at the same time write anyone off. So instead of badmouthing, shaming, or pitying those involved in this, stop and pray: pray for healing, pray for reconciliation, pray for redemption. Pray now and over again that the Gospel will be done in John's life and in the lives of those impacted by his mistakes..." -Tré Goins-Phillips

[Faithwire.com] Sadly, it seems, there is less accountability at the top—even for those who seek it out. Surrounded by a horde of "yes" people, the need for correction gets lost and the path toward healing becomes increasingly difficult to walk. But that doesn't mean it's impossible nor does it make it any less important. (Image: John Crist /Courtesy WaterBrook /via Charisma News)

In fact, it's all the more important for those who are in places of authority, like comedian John Crist, to step out and lead the way in their own healing by standing up and owning their errors, acknowledging their shortcomings and wrongdoings, because by doing so—by walking in humble submission—they are really leading the charge toward reconciliation, toward redemption, which is the steady drumbeat of the Gospel, the heartbeat of God as seen from Genesis to Revelation.

I don't know John personally, but his admission of "destructive and sinful" behavior (engaging in sexually charged relationships with women, both in person and via text message) seems genuine. He acknowledged in his statement to Charisma the ways he's "sinned against God, against women and the people who I love the most" and owned up to the fact he's "violated my own Christian beliefs, convictions and values, and have hurt many people in the process." He is far from alone in struggling with sexual sin, but he does have a prominent platform, so his behavior—and how he seeks to reconcile his missteps—will be seen by a lot of people.

John's decision to cancel future tour dates to focus on finding healing, redemption, and restoration is the right one. While he is not a pastor, John's status as a well-known Christian comedian who has amassed quite a following does come with a greater level of spiritual responsibility. In James 3:1, the apostle wrote, "Not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly." John's statement as well as the steps he's already taking—and has taken in the past—show he understands the weight of his position and suggests he knows there cannot be healing without confession... Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

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