“For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the LORD Almighty. “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.” – Malachi 2:7-9
Scandals in the church are nothing new. From the days of the Old Testament to today, we’ve seen leaders who were called to speak God’s truth fall into compromise. It’s no surprise when worldly figures fail, but it’s deeply egregious when those entrusted with God’s Word – like the priests in Malachi’s time – lead others astray.
Malachi addresses priests who neglected their responsibility to teach and live according to God’s law. They didn’t just suffer a personal failure; they caused many to stumble. Today we see similar issues in churches, from moral failures to unbiblical teachings. The “prosperity gospel” that twists Scripture, or the acceptance of things that completely contradict God’s Word – these failings seem so commonplace today that it sometimes feels like the enemy has gained an enormous foothold in today’s church. Sadly, it feels like that because he has.
Paul’s warning to Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 speaks directly to our time: “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” If that was true then, it’s even more so now. The temptation to water down the gospel, to make it more palatable to the culture, is rampant.
But friends, we are not without hope! The call of Malachi and Paul is not just to pastors or church leaders but to each of us. We must hold fast to the truth of God’s Word! Don’t just read it – study it, meditate on it, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you discernment. The enemy is at work, but God’s truth is unshakable!
We need to be people who seek God’s face daily, who test the spirits and teachings we hear (1 John 4:1), and who remain rooted in Scripture. As darkness increases, the light of Christ shines even brighter! Stand firm in His Word, pray for wisdom, and remember that though many will stumble, those who hold fast to God will never fall.
Today’s Prayer: Lord, help us discern truth from error. Protect our hearts and minds from deception and guide us by Your Holy Spirit. Give us a hunger for Your Word and the courage to stand for it in this world full of compromise. Amen.
Former Blackout Artist 