I was recently talking with a woman who was needing counsel concerning a significant relationship she was considering.
She claimed to be a solid Christian and she said this guy made the exact same profession of faith.
I said, “Tell me about him?”
She said, “Well, he’s been married 3 times and has had numerous mistresses.”
“Really”, I responded, “Has he repented from that or sought forgiveness for these things?”
“No, actually wrote a book detailing it and really bragging about it”, she remarked.
“Let me be clear”, I said, “He never felt the need to repent or try to make this right with them or God?”
“No”, she said, “He told me that wasn’t necessary. In fact, he said he couldn’t think of a time he needed to do that.”
“Did he get counseling or seek to understand why he obviously has a sexual addiction or problem?”, I said.
“Not to my knowledge, I can’t imagine him admitting he would need that”, she said.
“And he says he’s a Christian?”, I said.
“Oh yes, he claims no one has read the Bible more than him”, she responded.
“Well, let’s go to another topic in this relationship”, I said. “How does he treat you?”
“Very good. He says he really needs me”, she said. “But I do know that he has had some anger issues”.
“Really?”, I respond.
“Oh yes,” she said, “I have heard him cuss to make a person blush.”
“And you are considering a relationship with him? What makes you think you won’t be the target of his angry outbursts?”, I inquired.
“Because he said he quit.”, she said.
“Really? How long ago?”, I asked.
“Just a couple of weeks ago”, she responded.
“You think that’s enough time?”, I asked.
“Of course”, she said, “I trust him. He said our relationship will be great! He’s an expert at making things great!”
“If you don’t mind me asking”, I said, “With all these flashing red indicators of a relational crash, why would you possibly pursue this relationship…especially as a Christian?”
“Because no one is perfect and who am I to judge?”, she said.
“Well, as a pastor I think you really need to evaluate this relationship because Scripturally there are some real concerns about whether you should start this or not.”, I said.
She responded quickly, “No offense intended, but I have spoken to numerous pastors who think it to be the will of God that I pursue this relationship, in fact, they told me you are probably possessed by a religious spirit to keep me from this relationship.”
“Really? I am possessed by a devil?”, I asked incredulously.
“Well, that or just harsh and judgmental”, she replied.
“Then, go for it”, I reply.
“I am”, she said.
And great was the crash…
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