Dolly Mink: Years of experience in Christian leadership and service have given Dolly Mink a unique perspective, and she is eager to share her observations, insights, and words of encouragement to the women of Virginia. Dolly seeks to accomplish this through teaching, training, and writing. In addition to her role with the SBCV, she leads women’s Bible study at River Oak Church in Chesapeake, where she and her husband are members, and she writes short stories and blogs at 
I have a dilemma. I have a Bible with commentary by someone who has admitted to some kind of “sinful moral failure” that is egregious enough to cause him to step away from the pulpit.
Now I know that the text, the actual Holy Scripture, is not changed. The Bible translation is strong and accurate, and the cross-references are still valid. But it’s the comments –the inserts that are meant to guide and enlighten—that’s where the dilemma is.
Often when I come across one of them, I find myself asking, “How could you write this knowing that you were in the middle of a “moral failure? Did you at least feel hypocritical?” I know the comments are good but reading them leaves me feeling…icky. You might know it, too, because it’s a great Bible. The font is perfect for my vision (I have issues with page/font color), it has key references, and it just feels right. You Bible nerds out there will get that last one.
Please understand me here. I know “We all sin and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) But when we accept God’s call to be a teacher, we do indeed answer to a higher standard, (James 3:1), and we must do our very best to maintain a walk that is beyond reproach.
As I write this, I find myself convicted of my own sins and I cringe at the thought of considering myself “beyond reproach.” I am nothing but a sinner saved by a merciful and loving Savior.
So, what do I do?
- Look to Jesus.
Rely on His examples of love, forgiveness, and wisdom to guide my decision. Jesus encountered people in a variety of sinful behavior, yet He offered them all hope, and He treated them with love. Start there. Stop condemning and start understanding.
- Pray
Ask God for the wisdom He promises us (James 1:5) and then apply it, even if it’s hard. God’s answer to our prayers may take us in an unexpected direction, but it will always lead to bringing Him glory.
- Learn from others’ mistakes.
Instead of looking at this Bible as “tainted,” I am choosing to use it as a reminder that we all are just one step away from falling into sin at any time. Yes, it hurts my heart that the pastor that I trusted as a wise, scholarly teacher allowed himself to give into sin. But his sin is no worse than mine, and here I am writing a blog for all to read. Ironic, isn’t it?
As I continue to grow in my sanctification, I hope I can become stronger and less likely to stumble, but I know that I have a loving Savior that forgives me when I do fall, and I have a Bible that, despite the comments of a sinner, is the inerrant Word of God and will last for eternity.
Can I apply this lesson to other examples of leaders in sinful situations? Maybe not all of it. The pastor I am talking about admitted that he sinned, withdrew from the pulpit, and repented and began a path to restoration. This is all biblical and, well, “by the Book.” Not so much for some of the pastors we read about in the headlines and the ones whose sins are not made public. The “wolves in sheep’s clothing” that Matthew writes about; those are the ones who have yet to admit their sin, confess, repent, and seek forgiveness. We can see their stumbling as big red flag to turn and go in a totally different direction and avoid interaction with them until they turn from their sin.
As I continue to follow and lead, I pray for the wisdom and discernment that God can offer and that is found in the pages of my Bible, the one that bears the scars of a sinful, yet God-fearing, man.
