I'd like you to watch this video. As of today it has nearly 500k views on Youtube, and I first viewed it on www.theblaze.com.
I'm cautious when I handle a situation such as this, given that we are given but an excerpt of the sermon (though the full video is available here: http://vimeo.com/66510051.) When we only have one side of the exchange, its difficult to draw honest conclusions, but I'd like to share 5 thoughts on this 5-minute rant by Pastor Standridge. Ponder accordingly.
1) Pride sure does get us into trouble. Truly, I don't know whether or not this pastor is a prideful individual, but, given that he said, 'I'm important,' and was comfortable belittling a person attending the service, I don't think we have to wrestle too much to draw a conclusion. We are all full of pride. That is the reality of being sinners who would rather rely on our own means and instincts instead of our God.
2) Boy we have big mouths. James 3:5 reminds us that "the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" Public humiliation rarely wins the heart of the lost or weak. Those who have the privilege to preach and teach God's Word best serve their listeners with what God has to say, not their personal assessment. In the eyes of Christ, Underwood (the guy called out for attendance) is clearly worth more than 'fifteen cents.' He was worth the very blood of Christ which was shed for him.
3) When you mess up, fess up. This particular pastor had these thoughts to share on his rant:
“I know I’m right, and I know I haven’t done anything wrong,”
“I don’t want to offend. That’s not my intention.”
In the first sentence, Pastor Standridge stated his unwavering belief in his innocence. Yet, he does backpedal a bit when he states that offending wasn't his intention. When a person says 'I didn't mean to' or 'it was unintended,' they have in their mind conceded that they may have actually made a mistake, but externally will refuse to concede or apologize. Which is because of pride and results in a bigger, unresolved mess.
4) Fifteen cents is still fifteen cents. If Underwood was only worth "fifteen cents," its likely he won't be worth much more for the Lord now. In TheBlaze's article, Standridge states that his job is to be a "purifier." I'm trying to find a place in Scripture where the pastor is called the purifier, but all I find is Titus 2:14 where we see Christ is the one doing the purifying. And what is his means of purification in this life? The Scriptures. They are the mirror that show us the sin that needs to be confessed. It sure seems to work better when the Word and the Spirit change hearts.
5) Being a jerk just doesn't seem to work. I am thankful that we are to take into consideration all of Scripture when looking at any single verse. While Scripturally the pastor is to obey 1 Timothy 5:20, (Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear,) he is also to obey 1Corinthians 13:1 (Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.). Is it hard to balance the two? Yes, I believe so. It is still right to correct lovingly? Absolutely. This would have all been a non-story if the good pastor had simply preached his text and corrected these folks in private.
Much to chew upon.
