The Eddie Long Scandal: It Looks Like A Duck And Quacks Like A Duck

The Eddie Long scandal is a totally disheartening one for lots. There are but some powerful non secular leaders that are getting through to the hundreds to the extent that human beings are changing their hearts, finding healing for their hurts, and in the long run changing their lives as a result of receiving the Word of God in a powerful, but simplistic way. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Eddie Long become a distinguished spiritual leader, exceedingly esteemed, religiously sought-after, and sensible in the pragmatic teachings of the Bible. His uncompromising, unadulterated, unwatered down approach to coaching the Bible is what acclaimed him as a no non-sense, Bible coaching, preaching man of God. So what occurred?

The recent prices brought against Bishop Long in September 2010 by means of 4 grownup males are very critical and additionally criminal in that it's far being alleged that the sexual acts started whilst the young men have been simply teen-elderly boys. What are we to consider? These allegations have divided many humans throughout the country and abroad, no longer simply Christians on account that Eddie Long is an international public religious figure. Unfortunately, many Christians have gotten so stuck up in this scandal that we've got taken our eyes and hearts off of God and His Word and have focused upon what Bishop Long did or did no longer do. Of route each person has their personal convictional opinions and might justify why they experience the way they feel approximately this situation, but as Christians we have to constantly hotel back to the Word and what it says. First and foremost, we need to be careful approximately what's spoken out of our mouths while criticizing or condemning some other due to the fact our own words will come lower back upon us.

Judge not anything before the time, before the Lord does come, who will convey to light, the hidden matters of darkness and could take place the recommend of the hearts. (1st Corinthians 4:five)

Rejoice no longer while thine enemy falleth, and permit now not thine coronary heart be glad whilst he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he pull away his wrath from him. (Proverbs 24:17-19)

For all have sinned, and are available short of the honor of God (Romans three:23)

BUT IT LOOKS LIKE A DUCK AND QUACKS LIKE A DUCK!

Yes it does, and we've continually heard that if it looks as if a duck and quacks like a duck, then more than probable, it's far a duck. Yes, I understand what it looks like within the natural. Sometimes, what seems to look one way within the herbal, could have a very special reality inside the spirit realm. We as people certainly depend upon what our eyes see and what our ears listen, however truth, like cream, continually rises to the surface after it has run its course. Rumors approximately Eddie Long's sexually were floating around for years. The rumors had been more usual within the Atlanta location where the Bishop resides however they have nonetheless been obtainable for years. When you're doing the paintings of the Lord, you may be attacked spiritually and naturally. It is written in the Word: ...In me ye may have peace. In the sector ye shall have tribulation: however be of appropriate cheer; I have conquer the world. (John 16:33).

In the Bible, Joseph become accused of looking to rape Potiphar's spouse and became installed jail for something he did now not do, but God endured to bless Joseph, sell him, and in the long run vindicated him. Daniel was located within the lion's den for praying to his God after the decree turned into set that nobody have to pray to any God aside from the King's God. Daniel's heart become natural. God introduced him, blessed him, and promoted him. Jacob become pursued via his brother Esau for taking the birthright of the first born. God delivered him and made matters proper among him and his brother. All for the duration of the bible, whilst people were falsely accused, God sooner or later revealed the reality, vindicated them, and set things proper. Perhaps he's going to do the identical for Eddie Long if his heart is likewise natural and he is telling the reality, as those guys were. However, we can not do wrong then count on God to step in and make matters right. Life is about cause and impact. Effect follows cause and night time follows the day. God does now not punish; His regulation does. For what glory is it, if, whilst ye be buffeted in your faults, ye shall take it patiently? But if, whilst ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is appropriate with God. (1st Peter 2:20). Let's overview the records:

Bishop Eddie Long has regularly and consistently preached against and denounced homosexual behavior. In fact, The 'Atlanta Journal-Constitution' has referred to him as "homophobic" for his stance against same-intercourse partnerships.

He has ministered "gay therapy" packages to recruit gays and lesbians for what he referred to as "Sexual Reorientation" meetings and his church offers an ongoing 'Out of the Wilderness' ministry to help convert homosexuals into heterosexuals.

In September of 2010 four person males accused long of sexually molesting them when they were teen-elderly boys and into their person hood. The declare changed into that Long positioned the men at the church's payroll, sold them automobiles and presents, and took them one at a time on journeys to destinations including Kenya, South Africa, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad, Honduras, New Zealand, and New York City. The complaints said that Long could educate the Holy Scriptures to justify his sexual interest with the men.

Long adamantly denied the allegations and is quoted as saying, "I actually have committed my existence to assisting others and these fake allegations hurt me deeply." He stated that he became going to fight the case until the end: "Like David, I have simplest five stones, and I haven't began to throw the first one."

Documents imply however, that as opposed to fighting, as Long stated he could do, he settled the case for 25 million bucks. Dr. Boyce Watkins from 'My Black World' states,
What began as a $2 million agreement to settle the case for every of the four men quick rose to $five.Five million for the respective plaintiffs, the source stated, only because Long refused to publicly admit guilt.
The guys are to divide $2.2 million similarly and then acquire $400,000 in payments until the money is paid out over the subsequent two decades, the source stated. The very last parent comes to $22 million for the 4 guys and $2.Eight million for the plaintiffs' legal professionals.

The church had already been paying those four young men $40,000 yearly every before any fees have been filed, the source said.

Those are the documented statistics. Considering that we are talking about a person who is very vocal, extremely convictional, very outspoken approximately homosexuality, homosexual marriage, and men stepping up to take their rightful places as guys within the houses, in society and in the church, does not it appear uncharacteristic for a person of his caliber no longer to shield himself with each fiber of his being, the very thing that he is so publicly and vehemently in opposition to but being accused of doing? There comes a time in lifestyles if you have to take a stand for what you accept as true with in. If now not, you may fall for something. Some things are not worth fighting for, even when you recognize that your coronary heart is pure and you are harmless, but a few things are really worth taking a stand for. One could suppose that Bishops Long's recognition, his image, his credibility, and his authenticity could be really worth preventing for with each fiber of his being, however shockingly, he has not taken this stand, so what are humans speculated to suppose?

There are religious leaders who have reached high non secular altitudes within the heavenly realm and via their teaching and preaching have blessed the hundreds. As a result of

this, many humans have given their lives to Christ. Since the Word says, Your presents shall make room for you, those non secular leaders are reaping the cloth and monetary advantages of the use of their items. It has been stated that Bishop Long is famend for his extravagant way of life. He drives a Bentley, has a nine-toilet mansion, drew thousands and thousands of greenbacks in salary from his charities and ministries and loved the benefits of journeying the world, engaging in keynotes speeches, rubbing shoulders with presidents of america, mixing and mingling with superstars, popular rap artists and legitimate actors and actresses and living the existence of a King. However, while one gets so high at the top of fulfillment they are the most liable to fall hard. Pride sneaks in bringing conceitedness and a preeminent spirit that makes one assume that they may be gods of their own proper. Unfortunately, humans now not come to worship the genuine and residing God, they arrive to worship the Bishop, the opposite god. And due to this distorted thinking, the little god believes they're going to make it in the kingdom because of their powerful accomplishments for the kingdom, but fail to realize that the, "The gifts and callings of God are without repentance." Meaning that they may be so caught up, passionate about, and all engrossed in sin, but still manifest remarkable matters for the kingdom. What is the result of this? "Many will say unto me in that day, Lord Lord, have we no longer prophesied in thy call and in thy name cast out many devils and in thy call accomplished many high-quality works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Mathew 7:20-23).

DOES LOYALTY HAVE LIMITS?

Eddie Long has sturdy and constant supporters, however how far will one go to show their loyalty? To perdition? Yes, forgiveness is warranted for every body, however how will you forgive a person for

something they are denying they did? As members of church congregations, we should be very, very cautious of who is talking over us and what spirit they are walking in because what is on the head, might be at the frame. If you have a head bloodless, your whole frame will pain and sense the results of the top. It is the same inside the herbal realm. If the pinnacle, the spiritual chief is sick, the whole frame will feel the outcomes of it.

Crimes against children and the elderly are the worst crimes to dedicate in my non-public opinion. Stealing their innocence by the usage of religious authority and manipulating the Word of God to exploit them could be very risky. As we consequently have this ministry, allow us to stroll in faith, now not on foot in craftiness, nor dealing with the Word of God deceitfully, but via manifestation of the fact, commending ourselves to each guy's attention inside the sight of God. For if our gospel be concealed, it's far concealed unto them which might be lost, in whom the god of this world, has blinded the minds of them that believe no longer, lest the light of the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ must shine unto them. (2d Corinthians four:three) Are we spiritually blind?

One very outstanding pastor, in defense of Eddie Long is quoted as pronouncing, "If you're from that church...And you Trying to enroll in right here, I do not need you to enroll in right here! You want to head and be part of wherein you're imagined to be. I don't want you right here. That is my friend that is my brother inside the Lord." How disheartening, merciless and no longer to mention unchristian-like for a spiritual chief to mention to those who may had been bruised, betrayed and deceived. You are telling them which you do not care how they feel, you don't care if Bishop Long has perpetrated those crimes against kids - although it's miles the child of the individual seeking to be part of your church? All you care approximately is that he is your friend? Would you say that equal factor to a person who become victimized inside the genuine manner that Bishop Long is being accused of, but the accuser wasn't your friend? Would you have the identical position if Bishop Long allegedly sexually molested YOUR OWN youngsters?

By distinctive feature of the words that this pastor spoke in protection of Eddie Long and in opposition to the participants of his congregation which can go away to return to his church, he has set positive causes in movement with a purpose to show up with specific precision to parallel what he has placed out inside the environment. You choose up a stay cord while you say such matters, so anticipate a shock. Many human beings have been hurt due to those heinous accusations, starting first with the sufferers and that is the stance you're taking? Shameful! It is once in a while better to hold quiet if what you have to mention isn't always fruitful, life-giving, or encouraging - specially as a preacher! The sufferers: their manhood has been considerably challenged. Psychologically and mentally, they are understandably careworn. The individuals of the congregation do now not understand what to in reality trust or what to do for that count number and Bishop Long's circle of relatives and pals are stuck in the middle, not to mention humiliated, disheartened and harm. Let us not neglect the moms of the boys who depended on Bishop Long to offer fatherly male steerage they did not have. Speaking as a single mother of a soon-to-be teenage boy, I would be devastated to say the least if it had been me who depended on this man to lead and manual my male son in the right route and offer mentorship, but as a substitute, he sexually abused my toddler. I would question my own judgment and decision making. Needless to-say, a lot recuperation has to take place on numerous stages and in so many directions.

PRIDE COMES BEFORE A FALL

Bishop Long has fallen. However, so long as the blood runs heat in his veins and there is nevertheless breath in his body, he can repent, be introduced, and get healed if he is guilty of what he is being charged with. But as long as he continues to behave as even though not anything has took place, refuses to deal with the state of affairs honestly, and continue to embrace satisfaction and vanity, healing can not and could no longer take location. The sacrifices of God are a damaged spirit,

a broken and a contrite heart, these O God, You will not despise. (Ps. Fifty one:17). Is Bishop Long's spirit broken? Is his coronary heart contrite? Has his humility kicked in? Has he repented if he has accomplished wrong? That is the most effective way that God can restore, heal and bless again.

When you pay attention testimonies of preachers, politicians or different outstanding management figures who have fallen from grace, it isn't always because of one concept acted upon. In those cases, the autumn became most effective the finished product, the outworking, the cease. The man or woman allowed an impure concept to enter their thoughts. As it entered a 2d and third time, they welcomed it, fondled it, and entertained it. Each time the impure concept back, it grew and have become stronger until at last it attracted to itself the possibility for it to show up into movement. That authentic perverted thought, which became nurtured and cultivated progressively undermined the character's individual. No-one is so strong that this can no longer appear them. Remember - YOU BECOME WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT! Everything acted upon continually originates in the mind first. If you examine every thought, you might not ought to worry approximately the moves because if the concept is ideal, the moves will be suitable as well.

In final, I want to say that we must all seem before the judgment seat of Christ and workout our own salvation with worry and trembling.Before we condemn, allow us to recall the matters that we've accomplished that we are hoping no one reveals out about. We have all sinned. What wishes to be finished in this example is sincere prayer for this guy. If he is harmless, as he says he's, the fact might be discovered. If he's responsible of the costs, then allow us to pray that he and all who're concerned find healing and deliverance. We need to use discernment to determine the proper essence of a thing. God will reveal the fact approximately a situation, individual or circumstance when you are searching for Him for the answer. Truth, as cream, usually rises to the pinnacle ultimately.

~Dr. Mia Y. Merritt

Dr. Mia Y. Merritt is an educator with over 17 years enjoy working with college students as a trainer, Assistant Principal and college professor. Dr. Merritt is a posted author of eight books at the topics of personal improvement, self-empowerment, motivation, prosperity and grownup schooling. Dr. Merritt has a Ph.D in Organizational Leadership, a Masters Degree in Exceptional Education, and a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. She is a life-teach and keynote speaker who travels the united states giving keynote deal with.