Like many Christians around the world, I thought highly of Ravi Zacharias. His teachings, writings, and ministry impacted many people and helped bring clarity of thought to so many challenging aspects of Christian life and witness. Therefore, it was with great sadness that I read the report released today by his ministry that revealed that the late minister sexually and spiritually abused women around the world.
His actions hurt untold numbers of people, both the survivors of his abuse, and those who followed his ministry, supported his ministry financially, and promoted his materials to others. It hurts the cause of Christ and hinders gospel ministry proclamation.
It also creates a foothold for Satan to whisper even more doubt into the hearts of those who already question if Christianity is real, if the Bible can be trusted, and if pastors care about those under their spiritual care. It gives generous Christians pause if they want to support other evangelists and ministries, even if those ministries are above reproach. It truly is a painful moment for the Church.
There are many lessons we might learn from Ravi's sin. I will highlight two of them.
1. Our sin WILL be found out
Christian leaders, especially those serving in situations where accountability is loose, are not above temptation. They may give in to sexual sin. They may give in to spiritual abuse. They may embezzle money. They may lie, cheat, manipulate, extort, threaten, and use any manner of devious means to achieve power and prestige.
And they OFTEN get away with it......at least for a time. But eventually sin WILL be found out! There is no way to escape the spiritual truth of Numbers 32:23 "....be sure your sin will find you out." As time goes by, we may think we have successfully gotten away with sin, but eventually the truth emerges, as we are reminded in Luke 12:3 "Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops."
Christian leader, we are NOT getting away with sin. It will be revealed. Better to repent NOW and seek forgiveness NOW and then put safeguards in place to keep from falling into those destructive patterns in the future. This is better for those who are enduring spiritual abuse, and this is better for the abuser.
2. We must hold leaders accountable
As I read the various reports of the investigation that followed the first accusation of Ravi's sinful actions, it is clear that there were warning signs along the way. They were subtle. And Ravi covered them well. But there were those that saw things that they felt were not right, but no one wanted to accuse such a great man of misconduct. So, everyone looked the other way.
How many lives were wrecked as a result? How many more people will suffer as the revelations work their way out into general society? Clearly, someone should have said something. Someone should have had the courage to speak. Someone should have stopped this man from abusing his spiritual position. Leaders need to be held accountable.
Obviously, we do not want someone's life destroyed by false accusations, and it is almost always better to handle these things privately, at least in the beginning. But at some point, leaders who use their position of power to bully, abuse, harass, intimidate, control, and destroy the lives of those under their care need to be held accountable. It may be painful in the short term, but it is better in the long term.
Will we learn the lessons from Ravi's sin? Or will we pretend they do not apply to us and eventually suffer from the revelations that will undo our entire ministry?
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