Since the apparent fizzling of the media attention and the troubling announcement that Bentley and his wife are separating, there are a whole host of people asking the age-old question, "how could God use someone who didn't have it all together?"
The answer is, of course, simple; God only uses imperfect people. This does not excuse doctrinal error, immorality or lack ethics or compassion; it is simply a fact. Everyone who has ever been used in a divine way is flawed--except Jesus, of course.
I used to be a harsh critic until realizing that I could not live up to my own standards of perfection. I chose to become a realist after this revelation. That guards me from holding people in too high regard while insuring that God gets the glory for His good work in and through us.
From the beginning of the Lakeland movement I've tried to focus on the positive. I will still choose to do so because there are already enough places to read about the bad. I certainly did not ever endorse Bentley's brand of "Neo-Latter Rain" theology or shock value tactics, but I refuse to kick someone while they are down. Like it or not, God used Todd Bentley in Lakeland and there is fruit.
Bentley's family is in a crisis right now and we need to earnestly pray for them. If you were an avid supporter, please do not let your disappointment keep you from praying for restoration. If you were an outspoken critic, please demonstrate your Christlikeness by holding up a weak brother in prayer.
Let's be part of God's healing process in Todd Bentley's family by adding him to our prayer lists and humbly recognize that we too are carrying treasure in earthen vessels.
4 comments:
Here's an idea. Let's get back to real Pentecostalism and perhaps many Charismatics, even some of the Third Wave revivalists, will join us. If not, then they will fly off to another planet and most people will ignore them because at last people will see the real deal in Pentecostal churches. But right now the Pentecostals are on another planet and in chaos....:(
We've got a lot of work to do in Pentecostal land. First up--Pentecostal denominational leaders need to stop playing 'good ole boy' games with emergents, seeker-sensitives and self-esteem psychobabblist pastors in their churches. They need to dust off their statements of faith, stop watering them down, and get back to what their founders believed.
Another great post bro.
Anyone whose life is spent ministering full time - if they will be honest - will admit the same - none of us can live up to the standards of sin free perfection.
As you said, that doesn't excuse the sin whatsoever - just helps us all dismount from our high horses and put on the cloak of humility.
Hey bro - you need to open another blog...you know, one where you can talk about crushing pheasants and stuff....
Tim,
you have spent a good part of your life being a good example for all of us charismatics and pentecostals and mystics. You have taught us that the miraculous can be normal and daily without being spooky and ending in falsehood. A big thanks! : )
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