as he sat there trying his best to hold his tears back, there was such a deafening silence in the room. slowly he mustered up the courage to continue telling his story. this man sat, with what seemed like and overwhelming sense of fear yet, the truth of the matter is, he has stood before the masses in confidence. however this was different, very different. as many men know yet choose to not address, it's this: at times we hold a secret sin that has kept us in bondage for too long, while we continue to serve in His work.
this man sat for hours, sharing his story, with all the details as to how he covered up his sins before many. skillfully and cunningly holding it far from others to know, yet ironically, held it so close to himself as it consumed this life. this wasn't something that he just randomly chose to pick up as a habit one day when he awoke. this was a sin that was a result of events that were planned early on in his life and never addressed, so in essence, never conquered. so after years for hiding and fighting this stronghold that had overtaken him, he sought Godly counsel, advice and accountability.
it doesn't come naturally for a man to be completely transparent with others, but it most certainly is a process that takes time, for some, quicker than others. for others, a little longer than some. this man is one whom i've known for years, YET was shocked to hear of the sin he was involved in during the time he served in the church as a paid full-time staff member. although this man is younger than i, yet i admire him for his candor and willingness to speak from the heart of the sin that once held him captive in his heart, mind and body. the graphic details of his deeds and the endless amounts of wasted money by the hundreds, all to feed a sin that was so dark and deep, yet he kept it hidden.
he knew that is was only a matter of time before somehow, some way, he would fail to cover his tracks and that his sin would be reveled for all to see. not to mention, the level of torment that he fought with on at daily basis. thankfully, the spiritual wound was in it's beginning stages for being healed along with discipline, accountability, guidance and counsel, he prevailed over what could have brought his ministry down. in the course our conversation, one that went on well into the next day (ending at 5:00am) he admitted, that the way he was able to hide so much, for so long, from so many was this "the devil protects his own" meaning if you dabble in it a little, the enemy will entice you in his destructive web of deceit, lies, masks etc. in order to hide it from others.
are you willing to continue in your ways? or can you "BE A REAL MAN" and take responsibility for your actions, or as i like to say, "man up and own up" to what holds you captive. can we as men truly be the transparent man? not to the world or the masses, but to least ONE single person?? one who love and not judge, one who will encourage and not despise, one who can admire and respect you for your honesty and ability to be forthcoming. we ALL need someone to lean on while on this journey, who's your friend or brother that you lean on?
i leave you with this, from his sermon titled the spirit of jacob bishop t.d. jakes shares " you may have done the things they said you've done, but you are not who they say you are." so i submit this to you, who do YOU say you are?
this man sat for hours, sharing his story, with all the details as to how he covered up his sins before many. skillfully and cunningly holding it far from others to know, yet ironically, held it so close to himself as it consumed this life. this wasn't something that he just randomly chose to pick up as a habit one day when he awoke. this was a sin that was a result of events that were planned early on in his life and never addressed, so in essence, never conquered. so after years for hiding and fighting this stronghold that had overtaken him, he sought Godly counsel, advice and accountability.
it doesn't come naturally for a man to be completely transparent with others, but it most certainly is a process that takes time, for some, quicker than others. for others, a little longer than some. this man is one whom i've known for years, YET was shocked to hear of the sin he was involved in during the time he served in the church as a paid full-time staff member. although this man is younger than i, yet i admire him for his candor and willingness to speak from the heart of the sin that once held him captive in his heart, mind and body. the graphic details of his deeds and the endless amounts of wasted money by the hundreds, all to feed a sin that was so dark and deep, yet he kept it hidden.
he knew that is was only a matter of time before somehow, some way, he would fail to cover his tracks and that his sin would be reveled for all to see. not to mention, the level of torment that he fought with on at daily basis. thankfully, the spiritual wound was in it's beginning stages for being healed along with discipline, accountability, guidance and counsel, he prevailed over what could have brought his ministry down. in the course our conversation, one that went on well into the next day (ending at 5:00am) he admitted, that the way he was able to hide so much, for so long, from so many was this "the devil protects his own" meaning if you dabble in it a little, the enemy will entice you in his destructive web of deceit, lies, masks etc. in order to hide it from others.
are you willing to continue in your ways? or can you "BE A REAL MAN" and take responsibility for your actions, or as i like to say, "man up and own up" to what holds you captive. can we as men truly be the transparent man? not to the world or the masses, but to least ONE single person?? one who love and not judge, one who will encourage and not despise, one who can admire and respect you for your honesty and ability to be forthcoming. we ALL need someone to lean on while on this journey, who's your friend or brother that you lean on?
i leave you with this, from his sermon titled the spirit of jacob bishop t.d. jakes shares " you may have done the things they said you've done, but you are not who they say you are." so i submit this to you, who do YOU say you are?
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