1timothy6:10 revisited [inlight of kidnapping]

That a pastor was recently found to be involved in a case of kidnapping of a child, under his pastoral care. whether he resides in Mexico, Manila,Cape or Cairo is immaterial he is a pastor of a church.My shock was not as a result of the news, but how people will react when they hear of it.What on earth could have pushed a brother that have made a commitment to do the work of God and lead others to God, exposing satanic influence in our society, how to avoid it and keep oneself free from it's grip and hold.
I cringe when i think of the laughter of the scorners and the mirth of those with out.The thought that came to my mind was the Bible's admonition that we should take heed those of us who thinks we are standing firm.[1Corinthians10:12]
i can see it clearly now why we who thinks we stand should always take heed: Little by little Satan can use a lot of negative and flashing pictures to erode our faith, to make us feel we have made mistake concerning our choice to live for God, showing us how much those on the outside seems to be enjoying.
Pictures are important to Satan in his mission to lure us away from our commitment.The bible says he took Jesus to a high mountain and showed him all the kingdom of the world: this shows a cunning and crafty being who knows what beautiful scenes can do to the unwary.
The solutions lies in continual separation from the things of the world. in the book of psalms73.We read how this psalmist poured out his heart in asking God questions when he saw the enviable positions of the unbelievers around him,the answer was found in verse 17, of the end of the ungodly. The inquirer found the answer in the house of God, seeking God's face.
When the world tries to persuade and lure us to adopt their ways of death[they call it having a good time] we should resist and pull back more into God.So did this psalmist.This brother, this pastor needs our prayers, not for justice not to takes it's course as some are wont to pray, but that he should come back to God and ask for His forgiveness in spirit and in truth for he has indeed wandered far due to his quest for material wealth.Another task for him is to ask for forgiveness from the parents of this child and also forgiveness from his church members and leadership.
The church leadership may be going through the worst crisis they could ever experience and the best place to find solace is in Christ only. It is time for prayers now not name calling or blaming anybody. the church authority should shun rumors or hearsay. They would do well to draw example,from King David when fleeing from his son, Absalom: he refused to be distracted by little provocations coming from a 'small fry'. They should see it as of paramount importance to be open in communication to all members and willing to disseminate as much as they know.Getting the confidence of the members is an all out mission.Satan may want to think he has won , but no way he has already lost the battle if only we know how to draw on the finish work on the cross of cavalry.
AS for the parents of the little boy, i want to ask for their forgiveness and understanding though, this may be difficult for now, but not impossible if the church authority takes it to God in prayers.
In as much as society sees the pastors as above mortal sins the pastors always will need their prays support to continue the work of God.
As for us pastors, may be it is high time we tune down the material blessings and lay more emphasis on the spiritual,i think it's just about time.