When Christian Schools Are Rocked by Sex Scandal
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." (Proverbs 11:3 NIV)
How could it be? Just 16 hours earlier everything was fine and now his resignation ended 25 years of service to an educational institution from which he was also graduated. What prompted this action? Why didn't we see it coming? How could it be possible when all appeared to be just fine?
It wasn't long before all of my questions were answered. All may have appeared to be just fine, but what we didn't see coming should have been clear if only we had recognized and acted on that which was in our face. Spousal infidelity plain and simple.
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It was just about a week before that I commented, "I don't think it was good or even looked good for these two (vice president and his secretary) to go off for the day on a donor call, particularly at such a distance."
I should have mentioned something. I was in a position to, but I didn't!
This whole incident triggered a review of 40 years of service to schools, colleges, and churches. Add to that my wife's service and you understand the particular perspective we had. At dinner one night, in just about ten minutes we remembered over 35 such career ending lapses of moral, financial, socio-political, and theological judgement, but most of all sexual.
Having spent most of my professional life at the highest levels of administration it wasn't long before I recognized the isolation in such a position. There was no one with whom you could share feelings, problems, or deep concerns. Most institutional relationships were "murky" and carried the prospect of being misunderstood, suspected of some unacceptable involvement, simply not being a strong supporter of the institution, or the subject of "gossip."
All of these considerations set me on a project involving interviewing and communicating with as many Christian leaders as possible. There was a striking similarity to these conversations resulting in an unambiguous understanding, a plain picture of that which these leaders encountered daily. All of that which I discovered was confirmed for me in Dr. D. Michael Lindsay's book Faith in the Halls of Power, How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite.
Lindsay writes about Evangelical leaders in education, business, or any other public service struggling to apply the principles of Jesus Christ to a constantly changing culture amid the ubiquitous presence of sin and temptation! Author Ken Blanchard, writing about Lindsay's book speaks of "the perils and possibilities" of that which he calls "faith-based leadership."
The irony of leadership can be found in the fact that succeeding depends on being able to interact successfully and easily with a number of people. Possessing this characteristic an individual demonstrates the ability to interact magnanimously and overcome said obstacles which can lead to the top. Arriving at this pinnacle is the discovery of isolation, loneliness, and temptation. No one who can fill the role of confidant, someone to share personal concerns and struggles, is to be found.
The "one at the top" can't share with a colleague because it may communicate weakness. He cannot share with a board member because he may lose his job. Nevertheless the need for someone won't go away and can't be ignored!
Saint Peter offers an admonition which all should take to heart. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
Too many have let down their guard and paid the price.
A good business person can recognize the ROI, in the wisdom of Solomon, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor." "If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV) This "one" is someone to provide counsel, direction, and help with healing!
Just as we read in Genesis 2:18 that it is "not good for man to be alone" we must remember that which we are taught in Romans 12:5 (NIV) "... so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others."
Find one, with diligence, of the "body" to provide strength!
Seek out someone to whom you can be accountable! More if you can find them, probably among "level one" relationships, those of equal organizational stature.
I cannot "un-see," "un-know" or "un-remember" the things I have witnessed, but I can be confident knowing that God is influencing and controlling. Acting in faith like this, seeking accountability from a trusted individual(s), is a sign of integrity not of weakness!
