It has been a week (21 Feb 2014) since the announcement of Pastor David Yonggi Cho’s guilty verdict.
I first read the news through a Korean news portal. (http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/625270.html). Thousands of comments have since been posted on various sites carrying or reporting on this news. Most of them are harsh and sarcastic.
An article from the Gospel Herald states that two pastors who are close to Pastor David Yonggi Cho have given statements on “the other side of the story”. (http://www.gospelherald.com/articles/50503/20140226/american-pastor-disclose-details-surrounding-dr-david-yonggi-chos-indictment.htm). More comments on this article have been posted, the majority in the same tone of condemnation.
While the authors of most of these comments are unknown to me, I know a handful of them personally because of the Facebook profiles that are linked to their comments. These are from Christians, believers, pastors, whom I personally know… and these are appalling responses from the Christian community.
My post today is not to say whether the accused is right or wrong, or what “things should have been”. I would like to address the issue of how believers respond in the light of such news, especially on the Internet.
Some Points:
- Let non-believers say what they want to say. In all my dealings with non-believers who are out to draw blood, it’s best to not try to explain or defend; it causes more harm and confusion. Unless they are asking genuine questions, we respond accordingly, otherwise, refrain and let the Holy Spirit give wisdom on responding.
- Refrain from highlighting. Refrain from posting on Facebook, from retweeting, from linking to your blog in a hope to “starting a Christian conversation”. It is ironic that believers post these up on their Facebook walls and then end the conversation by saying, “yeah, this is not the place to discuss church matters”, and then continue to leave the post there, when they started the conversation in the first place. If for whatever reason you must post it, please disable the comments.
- Any believer can fall, whether the “big fry” or the “small”. God is no respecter of status or wealth, and I should add, neither is the devil. So who’s next on Satan’s list? If you’re implying some “mega-church” pastor, think again, it could very well be the questioner themselves.
- Issues which involve the court and the law; remember that many courts around the world are not interested in the truth. I think many will agree with me on this. Many legal systems are only interested with justice being served. Prosecutors and police just want somebody charge. As the worldwide audience, don’t expect to learn the truth from court proceedings.
- I will probably draw some a lot of flak for saying this, ah but I’ve disabled comments as advised above… Genius! Don’t expect to learn the truth from the media as well. It is naive to think that the media is interested in the truth too. The “other side of the story” or the “minority opinion” may not be true either. Fairness and transparency are mere mantras. Many media editors will skew stories, many reporters will highlight their opinion only. “Having an angle” is something we learn in Journalism 101. It is a gift and skill which landed them their jobs in the first place.
- Respect the law of the land. It’s interesting that Christian Malaysians affirm the Korean court in sentencing judgement on a preacher, but argue till the cows come home about not being able to use the word “Allah” in Christian publications. Every country has their legal structure, whether it may be old or outdated. What may be permissible in one country may not be in another. Yes, we should stand up for what is right, but when we go through the legal route and let the law of the land take its toll, don’t complain when you realise that the law is not there to glorify God (see point 4).
- It is interesting that Christians will “reduce” a mega-preacher to a sinner and yet not give them the benefit of “Jesus died for the mega-preacher-sinner” as well. Rightfully we are all ordinary mortal sinners. His grace extended to us is also extended to them. When we sin, we are entitled to Christ’s grace, forgiveness, healing and restoration, with God and with our fellow brothers and sister. And you know what? So are they who are “mega”. Let us give them the space to heal and restore.
All Members Suffer
In a video recording of Yoido Full Gospel Church’s service on 23 Feb 2014 (2 days after the verdict), Pastor Cho is seen clapping and worshipping but with a solemn look.
One of the songs the congregation sings is the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross” (in Korean).
During his sermon, at around 1:12:00, he talks about the last two years (of going through the court trial and accusation), being the greatest trial of his ministry.
“I know you have been praying for me and thanks to your prayers I will become a better pastor“.
“Through this suffering, I’ve learned a lesson, which is to not own anything. If God calls me back today, I will be able to go to the Kingdom of God.“
He delivers his sermon like every other Sunday from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, entitled “The Three Ways to Overcome Suffering”.
The sermon can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qS1r44JzTg
I say all this to point out that worship, praise, preaching and fellowship, all continue on as usual in Yoido Full Gospel Church. A ministry or church that was based after a single individual, will not be in this position when their leader has failed. The congregation have found strength to continue worshipping despite of the circumstance.
It is clear that the congregation of Yoido Full Gospel Church is standing by him and suffering along with Pastor Cho through this difficult period. For Christians around the world, especially those who do not wish to identify with denominations but claim to be part of the “Body/Church of Jesus Christ”, I think this is how we should respond when we see a brother or sister go through a trial.
“And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26.
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