A Royal Case Of Corruption, Scandal, Lies And Cover-ups

Prophet Nathan to David: "You are the guilty one."

Voyeurism. Perversion. Chauvinism. Adultery. Conspiracy. Murder.

These are all a part of the sordid affair of the biblical King David, who sought to cover up his sin with Bathsheba by having her husband killed in battle.

The story reminds me of some of the growing darkness we see in high places today, accompanied by similar attempts to deny, minimize, excuse and cover-up.

A primary difference between many of today's transgressors and of David, however, is how he comes to a place of thorough repentance for his misdeeds. Psalm 51, written in the form of an anguished lament, is an example of his willingness to maximize, rather than to minimize, his wrongdoing.

That's the missing piece in many of today's tales of sexual transgressions. And to make matters worse, the church may add to the problem by wanting to keep things as quiet as possible in order to protect its reputation.

We should be all about repair and redemption, but never as in "let's just forgive, forget and pretend this never happened." Rather than applying bandaids and quick fixes, the church's work of restoration needs to involve all of the following:

1. Full acknowledgment and remorse. "Have pity on me and take away the awful stain of my transgressions... I admit my shameful deed...it haunts me day and night."

2. Restitution in whatever ways possible.  "Make me willing to obey you. Then will I teach your ways to others..."

3. Ongoing transparency and accountability. "You deserve honesty from the heart; yes, utter sincerity and truthfulness." 

The church, like its founder, is about holding a high standard of both truth and grace, of toughness and tenderness, of uncompromising standards of right and gracious offers of healing. If we are not about restoring and repairing people guilty of all manner of sin we are not truly followers of Jesus, who never saw anyone as beyond the reach of God's redemption--unless maybe those who self-righteously deny their own need for it.

Meanwhile, let's make sure we get this redemption thing right.

(above quotations from Psalm 51 are from the Living Bible)