Some of you know, some of you may not know the situation that this brother, The Ambassador, was involved in a couple of years ago. He fell into sin and being in the position of leadership he was in (a Christian rapper), it was made known to the public. Today this recent interview was released and I wanted to write about some of things he said that kind of hurt my heart and in another sense, all the more glorified God.
If you watched the interview you will know that he talks about how his christian family within cross movement records kind of left him out in the cold once they were made aware of the sin he committed. I remember reading the article myself that they posted on their website stating that they had dropped him from their record label and encouraged people to pray for him, etc. From their standpoint I understand why they felt the need to address the issue publicly since Christian rappers are on the same level of influence and leadership as Pastors, it is good to rebuke sin openly in that manner so that others in the body of Christ may not take sin lightly or as a means to trample on the grace of God. On the other hand, it hurt my heart to know that after they removed him from their record label, they made no attempt to help restore or build him up spiritually.
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:1-2
As Ambassador stated, he was not seeking to hurry up and receive counsel so that he could get back into ministry (as you may have noted with Todd Bentley), he was sincerely seeking fellowship and to be restored by the brethren as we have been instructed to do. However, even though he did not receive it from the people he had anticipated it from, he did receive it from other members of the body of Christ.
If you watched the interview you will know that he talks about how his christian family within cross movement records kind of left him out in the cold once they were made aware of the sin he committed. I remember reading the article myself that they posted on their website stating that they had dropped him from their record label and encouraged people to pray for him, etc. From their standpoint I understand why they felt the need to address the issue publicly since Christian rappers are on the same level of influence and leadership as Pastors, it is good to rebuke sin openly in that manner so that others in the body of Christ may not take sin lightly or as a means to trample on the grace of God. On the other hand, it hurt my heart to know that after they removed him from their record label, they made no attempt to help restore or build him up spiritually.
"Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:1-2
As Ambassador stated, he was not seeking to hurry up and receive counsel so that he could get back into ministry (as you may have noted with Todd Bentley), he was sincerely seeking fellowship and to be restored by the brethren as we have been instructed to do. However, even though he did not receive it from the people he had anticipated it from, he did receive it from other members of the body of Christ.
One thing that made me glad was that he did not use his lack of desired fellowship as an excuse to remain in sin, he testified that during that time, he really came to know the Lord in a deeper way. He felt alone at times, as he was so used to being with the cross movement records crew it was a new, yet uncomfortable at times transition to come back to that place of being intimate with the Lord again. Those seasons when it is just the two of you. Despite you being married or not, there will always be those seasons where it seems like no one understands or can comfort you like the Lord can. Those are also some of the best times, mostly experienced during some of the hardest times of our lives.
In conclusion, I am glad that Ambassador has used this time wisely to seek to build things right again with God, his family, and himself. We all have committed sins. Most of ours have not been on public display as in this situation but public sins and secret sins are no different in God's sight. He treats us all the same way when we repent, with kindness and mercy and we should do the same for our brothers and sisters in the Lord, considering we also have flesh and could likewise be tempted. Let us bear one anothers burdens in love and encourage one another on towards love and good deeds all the more as we see the day approaching.
Terrific post! A great point. We should help to restore our brothers and sisters in Christ. They (could be me some times) need our christian love and counsel. It is very heart breaking that we treat someone whose sin has been exposed as if they are a leper.
ReplyDeleteGlory to the Highest! Yes sister that is very true. No one has the right to come off treating anyone as though they are beneath, especially someone who is truly seeking to be restored and loved already guilt stricken for their transgression. No need to kick someone while they are down. May the Lord help us to love as he does.
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