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 People
used to ask why preacher's children were so ornery, until I
began to reply, "Because they are forced by circumstances
to associate with the children of brethren." I said it as a
joke, but maybe it wasn't.
The
"double standard" is no joke. It often plays a major
role in moving preachers, ousting elders, and breaking up homes.
Utopianism (expecting perfection or nothing) usually gets
nothing. (I borrowed that line from Schaeffer.) How does one
cope with those who expect of him moral, social and financial
standards they make no pretense of applying to themselves?
We
can chop down the standards, altering them to fit those of our
peers, so that they no longer expect great things of us. Some
solution!!
Or,
we can become adept at hiding our sins... er, little weaknesses;
and spend our life in hypocrisy. Better take out insurance for
ulcers and psychotic depression, and, oh yes, some eternal fire
insurance, if you can find it. You will not fool God, nor will
you fool many people.
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Or,
we might realize that our real problem is too much concern with
what people think, and not enough for what God thinks. If we
really believe His word is our standard for “doctrine,
reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness"
would He not expect us to preach it like it is, and live
up to that standard to the best of our ability? And if God
expects this, why should not our hearers expect it?
Sometimes
I fear the so-called "double standard" pricks us
because, deep inside, we would like to be living like those
hypocrites who claim to be children of God, but act more like
their father, the Devil (Jn. 5:39 47). We squirm under God's
standards, envious of those in less public positions who seem to
"get by" with sin.
If
we better understood God's word we would know our High Priest
understands our weakness, and is ready to forgive those who
sincerely strive to serve Him (Heb. 4:15-16, 1 Jn. 2:1-2). This
world and her people offer no true serenity. It is found only in
a conscientious service and trust in Him who shall judge us
eternally.
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