Feeling for Ted

Everything that has come to light this last week in the Ted Haggard story has really thrown me. I spent a bit of time thinking through the process that he must have gone through to end up in the situation that he is now in. Part of the reality of that type of sin is that it is a graduall slide. You don’t just wake up in the morning thinking meth and male prostitutes are a great idea. I’m saddened by the whole thing but also very angry. Not angry at Ted but angry that this was allowed to happen at all. All of us realize that there are things that we are tempted by. There are “buttons” that can be pressed in our lives that can start us down the path of struggle. What I’m angry about is that Ted, his family and his friends were not aware enough to stop this type of thing from happening. Now, that might be placing too much responsibility on the people around Ted but I do think that there is a committment we all must make to our friends (especially those in ministry) to be there for each other. Granted there might not be much we can do but I’d rather be the friend who angers people by speaking the truth than just standing on the sidelines and helping pick up the pieces.

There’s been a lot posted about this issue that frustrates me. Yes Ted screwed up and yes he should no longer be a pastor and unfortunately yes the church is going to take some major hits because of this. But, how can we come along side him and just love him. He’s the one waking up every day realizing that he’s screwed it all up. He’s the one waking up feeling like no one trusts or believes in him. Ultimately he’s going to have to deal with God on this issue. But, he could probably really use some people loving him.