Dear Small Church Pastor,
Old western shows or safari movies sometimes showed someone getting caught in quicksand. The hero usually was able to save the victim just in time. However, these videos have created a misconception about quicksand that needs to be corrected.
A victim normally won’t sink completely and drown if caught in quicksand. The body density usually causes a victim to float around the waist or chest level. Deaths from quicksand, according to a net search I did, rarely occur, and most often a death is caused by succumbing to rising tide waters, dehydration or extreme heat or cold. Quicksand is not the “death grip” that movies make it out to be.
Quicksand is very much like temptations that plague everyone, even pastors. The devil has done all he can to make pastors think their ministries will be destroyed because of succumbing to some temptation. Satan hunts any pastor he can and tries to deceive the pastor into thinking that improper thoughts, words or actions will result in the complete death of a pastor’s ability to minister. Essentially, the devil wants us to believe the temptation is terminal, just like quicksand has been depicted as being deadly in and of itself.
As with quicksand, the giving in to temptation is not the destroyer of ministry. The destruction can occur if what occurs around the temptation is not addressed. High tides, dehydration and extreme temperatures are the real killers with quicksand. In like manner, lack of repentance, self-righteousness and rationalizations are what can kill a pastor’s effectiveness.
If a pastor yields to temptation and sins, the immediate remedy is repentance. The pastor must repent, seek God’s forgiveness and recommit to following the path of holiness to which every pastor has been called. Falling into quicksand requires calm decision-making so one doesn’t fall prey to rising tides or other dangers. Submitting to temptation and sinning require the same thing. Failure to repent and seek forgiveness can kill a ministry.
As with dehydration for a sinking victim, self-righteousness can also harm a pastor’s ministry. The idea that “this is the first time I’ve done that in my ministry and I can shake it off” simply will not suffice to save a ministry. The idea that “I know better than to do that, but I’m sure I can control myself next time” is a deception from the devil. He’s trying to make you think you’re good enough to deal with this yourself. YOU ARE NOT!! (Yes, I know I yelled.) The power to overcome future temptations originates in the power of the Holy Spirit, not in you. Self-righteousness can kill a ministry.
Extreme temperatures can kill anyone who Is caught without proper supplies or shelter when stuck in quicksand. The same holds true for rationalizations in connection to a sin committed. The devil will convince you, if possible, that this temptation is experienced by all in ministry and that you are no different than others who gave in, too. Satan tells you things like, “You’re like everyone else, so don’t let this get the best of you.” “Everyone sins occasionally. You’re normal.” “No one will find out.” “This is minor compared to what some others have done.” He tries to get you to think you don’t need to do anything other than remain quiet about what happened. Silence in rationalizations when help is needed and available can be deadly. You need to talk to God first and then seek spiritual direction from those who are part of your own spiritual umbrella of authority. Rationalizations can kill a ministry.
Temptation and quicksand are definitely very much alike. Neither will kill you in and of itself. It’s what happens after getting stuck that will determine the outcome of falling into temptation or quicksand.
Sincerely,
A Small Church Pastor