If you are a Christian and my age (51 now), you probably remember the book “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” by Joshua Harris. It was a controversial book and has since been pulled from the shelves by the author himself. Just a few years ago, Josh realized the narrowness and unhealthiness in his teachings from that book. I remember thinking, “It takes a very humble man to admit a mistake like that.” However, the other day I saw that he is getting a divorce after 19 years of marriage and walking away from his faith. My heart has been heavy since I read that.
I know that those in leadership are human and will disappoint. I’m sad about his divorce since there are 3 kids involved. I hope they can work it out or be amicable with one another for the children’s well-being. It’s the walking away from his faith that floored me. How do you walk away from the life you lived your entire life? He was a pastor for a season. He taught for years at Christian conferences as well. He had an impact on many. Now his faith is done and over. I don’t get that.
I guess my heart is heavy not just for him, his family, and his choices but also for the reality that no one is immune to falling away. I love God with all my heart and soul. He is my life line. I can’t imagine any other choice in my life. When I see this man, who has known God since his childhood, walk away, it scares me. What happens in life to lead you here? What could be so damaging that your lifeline to God means nothing anymore? I can’t imagine. I don’t want to imagine.
What I do know is this: to stay in love with God, you need to be intentional. So live in authentic community – aka – have at least one friend in your life who loves Jesus and knows everything about you. Someone who will ask you hard questions and challenge you when you are making stupid choices. Without that, we are all susceptible to turning our back on our faith. Also, spend time with God daily. It’s hard to walk away from someone you are so attached to. Read the Bible, listen to a sermon, worship with Christian music, journal, pray, … Just be with God and His truth. The world around us is full of lies. Ignore that. Dive deep with God.
Pray for the Harris’ family. Find your community, if you don’t already have one. Seek God daily.
Dream Big! Pray Big!