Leadership Line Drives #2 - Sexual Sin

All I have to do is mention the names Jimmy Swaggert and Jim Baker to remind you what the consequences of sexual sin in leadership can be. Although these are probably the most notorious names that we associate with sex scandal in ministry, they hardly scratch the surface. In a recent survey, 54% of pastors admitted to viewing porn on their computers within the last year. Todd Rhoades had a great post about this a couple of weeks ago. So how do we avoid sexual sin in leadership? Here's some safeguards and what they look like in my life:

• Accountability

I have two guys that I talk to about this at least once a month. I also have a program on my computer called x3 watch that sends a report to my accountability partners and my wife every month with any questionable websites that my computer has registered. You get that level of accountability in your life and it's going to be hard to "stumble"

• Practice what you preach

I met with two couples just this week that have allowed sexual sin to tear them apart. I am constantly counseling men on the danger that lust and sexual sin will bring. No doubt every relevant Christian leader must address this issue regularly. Practice what you preach.

• Consider the consequences

Haven't considered the consequences? Write these down on a notecard and carry them around with you:

1. Your relationship with God
2. Your Wife and Kids if you have them
3. Your ministry
4. Your credibility
5. Your reputation
6. Your Blog (I had to throw that in there for any blog addicts)
7. Your Future

That is just the beginning of what's at stake if you mess around with this stuff

• Develop Healthy Habits

I won't spend time alone with anyone of the opposite sex other than my wife, mom, and sisters. That sounds extreme, maybe even a bit old school, but my marriage and integrity are worth it. If you are married, spend time with your spouse...have a regular date night. Spend time on your appearance for your spouse. Don't stop doing the things that you did to attempt to win him\her over.

• Spend time on your relationship with God

I believe that the first step towards sexual sin or any other sin for that matter is to neglect your relationship with God.

I would like to think that my love for God is enough to keep me from falling into sexual sin, but I would be stupid not to put up some safeguards in my life to hold my feet to the fire.

If you were Satan, would you spend most of your time hounding the sheep or would you try to strike the shepherds?