I recently read an article in the Chattanooga Times-Free Press about a prostitution sting that took place in Chattanooga where ten people were cited. All ten of the persons cited were named in the story, but only the details of one persons life was fully exposed: The pastor of a United Methodist Church in Ringgold. The story was not only in the newspaper, but on all three local TV stations as well, but not one of them had any thing to say about the other nine arrested, just the minister.

Thank God, I have never had the call to the ministry. One of my good friends, however, is a minister in Kentucky, and has provided me through the years with a lot of insight. First and foremost, we have to realize a minister is a human being just like you and I, and is vulnerable to sin. They have feelings, sickness, family problems, but most importantly, temptation.

Unfortunately, the call to the ministry does not come with an exemption from temptation. In fact, as much temptation as I have had in my life, I would hate to think of what a minister must have to endure. Plus, the day-to-day actions of most ministers are usually placed under microscopic examination by a segment of their congregation on a daily basis as well.

Every time I see a story about a fallen member of the clergy, I remember the bumper sticker that said, "Christians Aren't Perfect - Just Forgiven." I sure hope God forgives us, because it is usually not by our fellow Christians.