There is this modern day fear and timidity preventing many ministers from calling sin “sin.” A blow-softening approach is sought after by many so they don’t lose popularity points, or people’s affections. Yet, in Acts 4, the Apostles prayed to God for more boldness so they could continue proclaiming the truth.

Im not a watchdog, but I’m not a scaredy-cat either. If I feel God is pointing something out to me, I will give it my prayer and attention. Unfortunately, this also means I will cry out when I feel I am supposed to. Yes, I know the fury and unpopularity that naming sins will garner me…but I have a responsibility. And, I can’t cheapen my love for God, His Church, and His world by worrying over my own appeal. God told His prophet in

Jer. 1 to not worry about their faces, but to take comfort knowing God was with Him.

Displays of weak integrity always harms the body, but strong, trustworthy leadership can help navigate failures. Everyone is susceptible to sin and mistakes. However, when sin surfaces, repentance is still the cure (Acts 3:19). Open repentance models humility and humanity. Meanwhile, strong leaders are needed today as pointers to a path of greater decency (2 Tim 2:2).

Some of today’s ministry leaders are just guilty of being careless. It’s important that we think things through and make our statements clearly and confidently. The psalmist said in Psa 119:11 “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”

The world will always try to trip up godly leaders with pointed questions. They did it to Jesus and they’re still doing it today. Lauren Daigle faced it after being on the Ellen show. Carl Lentz faced it in the aftermath of New York’s abortion bill. And, don’t forget Joel Houston who tweeted “evolution is undeniable.” Later, Houston tried to reel in that statement and make more sense of it, but the initial damage was done. As for Daigle, she seems to still be trying to figure out where she stands concerning whether or not homosexuality is a sin. For now, it seems she’s willing to err on the side of being friendly, rather than holy. Lentz followed his poor showing on a television program that cornered him on his abortion beliefs with an online written statement that clarified his church’s stance on the issue. It’s hard on young leaders, especially when the world tries so hard to cause them to fumble.

Nevertheless, I feel God urging me to encourage folks to understand that being righteous is much more important than being cool.

1 Cor 16:13 “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

Instead of trying so hard to be hip and popular, we need men and women who consistently serve as humble and loving.

Unfortunately, today’s preachers and Christian leaders often lack backbone in the moment and cave to fleeting pressure.

James 1:8 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

At what point do we break in our hearts? When will we be healed of our dry eyes? Where are our tears?

Revival and repentance must come. We are in great need.

My goal is not to be another angry, old-fashioned, religious rule-keeper. Rather, as a weeping intercessor, I pray for us all as we live in a generation that has embraced backslidden Christianity.