Purity

Always counsel with the door open!
— Stan Toler

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity.
— Ephesians 5:3

With the talk about immorality among our political leaders, it is appropriate to address the subject of moral purity.

Scarcely a day goes by in our Pastoral Ministries offices that we don't hear from a clergy person who has jeopardized his or her ministry due to moral failure.

The more we talk to our colleagues, the clearer it becomes that, beyond the sin issue, these situations result from one being burned out, careless in counseling, or unwilling to resolve issues of weakness or problems within their marriage.

In Peter Wagner's book, Prayer Shield, he lists several very wise suggestions and safeguards for our consideration:

1. Do not visit with a member of the opposite sex alone at home.
2. Do not discuss detailed sexual problems with the opposite sex in counseling.
3. Do not discuss your own marriage problems with an attender of the opposite sex.
4. Be careful in answering cards and letters from the opposite sex.
5. Do not show questionable affection to the opposite sex.

In light of the warning from the apostle Paul, these words are very timely. Please implement this list if you haven't already. Do not give the enemy the slightest foothold!

Taken from The Minister's Little Devotional Book.
Copyright © 1997 by H.B. London Jr. and Stan Toler.
Used by permission of RiverOak Publishing, Tulsa, Okla.
All rights reserved.