Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

A Sober Warning

The blogging gurus would say that this post is too long…and it probably is. But it's burning inside me and it's going to take a longer post to get it all out.

I was reading the Old Testament book of Lamentations this morning and there was one verse that grabbed me and wouldn't let me go.

This book is a series of laments (hence the name Lamentations) after the destruction of Jerusalem. This city had become so wicked that God allowed it to be destroyed and his people to be taken captive. Lamentations is a very honest, gut-level book chronicling the suffering and anguish of God's people.

But before you think this book has no contemporary significance, check out this verse.

"…she did not consider her future. Her fall was astounding; there was none to comfort her." (Lamentations 1:9, NIV)

The "she" in this verse is the city of Jerusalem. The Jewish people had allowed sin to overtake their lives, to the point where God allowed his people to be decimated. They didn't see it coming. All they saw was the pleasure of their own sinfulness. The Israelites didn't consider their future…they only focused on the pleasure found in the moment.

And the result was an astounding fall. The fall of Jerusalem was nothing short of amazing. These were God's people. His chosen ones. Full of the blessings and promises of God. And yet they threw it all away. It was absolutely astounding.

And after their fall, there was no one to comfort them. They were alone. Punished by God. Abandoned by everyone.

This verse nailed me this morning because it is such a serious, sober warning to God's people. Especially those in a leadership role.

How many Christian leaders have not considered their future, but instead indulged in sin for a moment's pleasure?

How many leaders have experienced an astounding fall?

How many leaders, after the fall, feel completely alone and abandoned…all because of their own sinful choices?

This obviously applies to anyone who is a Christ-follower, but the implications for those in leadership are especially poignant.

I know that I can't afford a moral failure. The stakes are too high. I can't lose my family. My ministry. My reputation. My influence.

Most of all, I can't bring reproach on the name of Christ.

If you lead in God's church in any capacity…don't click away from this post until you have fully considered where you are right now. Are you considering your future, or are you caught up in the moment?

Sin will feel good for a short time (Hebrews 11:25). But it will obliterate your future. And if you're absolutely convinced that you'll never be found out…you're wrong. Your sin will be brought to the light (Luke 12:2-3).

And once it is brought to the light, your fall will be amazing. Spectacular. Astounding.

Don't get me wrong. I believe wholeheartedly in grace. But grace means forgiveness. It doesn't necessarily mean restoration. If you are a leader who falls, you may never regain all of what you have lost.

Listen up, leaders. If you are struggling, get help. If you are experiencing incredible temptation, tell someone. Don't stay quiet. Don't keep your mouth shut to preserve your pride. Don't wait until it's too late.

Consider your future. The stakes couldn't be higher.