A Novice Falls

1 Timothy 3:6 (KJV)

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

I recently received a note from a pastor sharing an article regarding the suicide of a pastor. The article is intended to urge Christians to pray for their pastors, realize they are just human and recognize the spiritual battle they wage. These are fair objects of action for the believer. May our blessed Lord stir in the hearts of His people to indeed pray for the pastors!

But there are some other subjects that ought to be taken into consideration. I believe that the current Christian culture exposes believers to the dangers of such a fall. (I wonder how many would consider suicide a fall? - I do not believe by this fall they lose their salvation and therefore did not go to heaven due to suicide. But the devil did get the better of them, did he not?)

We are enamored with the big church/megachurch concept

I understand. It feels like we can do so much more good if we have a large following. It feels like we could have so much more influence if we led hundreds, even thousands of believers. It feels like we are more obedient to the Great Commission if we win that many more, baptize that many more, have in our membership that many more. But it also feeds the pride of the flesh when we are successful in reaching that many more.

We have a love affair with the youth over maturity

The pastor, who was the subject of this article, was just 30 years old. At the time of his suicide, I understand he was an associate pastor in a Charismatic Mega-church and had ministries especially meant to reach out to those with mental health issues and suicidal tendencies. 30 years old and largely responsible for the welfare of hundreds who faced the same battle with suicidal thoughts he had. 30 years old. Has anyone heard the verse, 1 Timothy 5:22 (KJV)

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.?

We are guilty of placing too much pressure on the unseasoned youth

When we allow them, teach them, urge them to enter into the ministry at a young age and then place them in positions where the flesh is easily lifted up through power and influence, we expose them ourselves to whatever sort of fall these novices experience.

Marvin McKenzie

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