get out of the tunnel

One of my men’s small group leaders approached me with a problem. He said that there are men in his group that claim Jesus, but do not act like it with their language or actions. After the conversation I walked away thinking …
“What’s the matter with these people ?”

The next day one of my sports ministry leaders approached me with the same problem. In his group people claim Jesus, but do not act like it with their language or actions. Again … I walked away from that conversation thinking …
“What is the matter with these people ?”
“Don’t they listen to our pastor’s sermons or my devotionals ?”
“Can’t they be holy … like me ?”

Then on Sunday afternoon I attended the Chicago RUSH arena football game. As the team chaplain I made my way to the arena tunnel to speak with a few players at half-time. The stadium tunnel was crowded … and part of the crowd included perhaps 20 young women who are called the Adrenaline RUSH Dancers. These ladies wore clothes that revealed much … if you know what I mean. So I stayed around just to take in the view. Then it hit me … I claim Jesus … and preach Jesus to these professional athletes and here I am allowing myself to entertain impure thoughts. I left … and walked away thinking …
“What is the matter with me?”

If you find yourself in a tunnel of words, actions, or thoughts that embrace sin …
get out of the tunnel … now … and pray that God’s Holy Spirit will protect you.

“… do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do … “
1 Peter 1: 14-15