IYAR 29
Documented Evidence
“And
when a being sins in that he has heard the voice of swearing, and is a WITNESS,
or has SEEN, or has KNOWN, but DOES NOT REVEAL IT, he shall bear his
crookedness.”
(Lev 5:1, emphasis mine)
Social media cultivates – like bacteria in a lab environment –
mudslinging, name calling, and ugly, nasty accusations about everyone, and
anyone. As our examples, we have our
‘trash-talking’ leaders in the government, 'tweeting' slander and ridicule 24/7. No one is exempt – not even our religious
leaders and teachers. In fact, it seems
that respected Torah Teachers attract full blown LaShon Hara (evil speech) just by being Torah Teachers!
Some years ago, I wrote an essay warning against the dangers of engaging in LaShon Hara, of how our Elohim detests this type of activity. However, I was, to some extent, in error myself, and I stand corrected. No, we are not to slander one another, and be the fuel for the fire of evil speech against another, causing shame and dishonor. On the other hand, according to our opening verse, if we have documented proof – not circumstantial, or hearsay, but WITNESSED, DOCUMENTED PROOF - that wrong-doing was done, we are to report it. It is considered a sin if we do not, and according to Jewish wisdom, the punishment of the one engaged in the wrong-doing now becomes ours as well.
The last 30 to 40 years has brought to the surface scandal after scandal involving those considered as “in the ministry”; we have the likes of Jim and Tammy Baker, Jimmy Swaggert, and Joel Osteen, just to name a few. They themselves will stand before their Creator to answer for what they have done; nonetheless, just like a pebble thrown into a pond, the ripple effect of their transgressions affected many. For example, the stand that Joel Osteen has taken concerning homosexuality[1] is affecting not only the 45,000 members of Lakewood Church, but also those who watch his broadcasts and read his books, leading them to believe that our Elohim is not concerned with this open sin. Again, the ‘ripple effect’.
Hearsay is dangerous; most of the time it is not accurate, which brings us to the need for documented evidence and testimony. For those on social media, this may be somewhat of a problem. We seldom meet those on our ‘friend’ list face to face, and we are unable to witness firsthand each other’s lifestyle. Should you find yourself in a situation where your spiritual antennae are off the chart, please, brethren, seek further investigation before bringing an accusation. Once you have compiled factual evidence, then begin the steps Elohim desires us to take.
Our Master gave us detailed instructions as to how we are to deal with one who is out in left field, so to speak (see Mat 18:15-20), and part of our local congregation. If the ‘left-fielder’, after repeated attempts at communication, is still insisting on being in the right, and denies any wrongdoing, we are to bring our documented evidence before the assembly, and let the leaders of the assembly make the decision as to the course of action to be taken concerning this one. Please recognize that this ONLY applies to those who are like-minded (Torah keepers), and participate in a mutual congregation.
Be very careful here, brothers and sisters. Regardless of the situation you have found yourself in, we are instructed to always walk in forgiveness, no exceptions. Therefore, as you bring your evidence and documentation forward to the assemblies, please, “do nothing at all through selfishness or self-conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Phil 2:3). It is the gentle and kind spirit that we reveal which will speak loudly to others that are still involved with these individuals, bringing them out of the “ripple effect”. It is because of these people that we do what we do.
I have been there; more than 20 years ago, my husband and I had our documented evidence, and we were placed in a position of having to confront congregation leaders that were scripturally and doctrinally in error. No, it did not go well, and the congregation, for the most part, sided with the leaders. We were asked to leave the congregation, which we did. It is unfortunate that these people are still in leadership of the same congregation, teaching the same lies that they have always taught. However, judgment belongs to our Elohim; He will repay, and we leave it there (see Deu 32:35; Rom 12:19)
“I call upon you
therefore, I the prisoner of the Master, to walk worthily of the calling with
which you were called, with all HUMILITY and MEEKNESS, with PATIENCE, bearing with
one another in love, BEING EAGER TO GUARD THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IN THE BOND
OF PEACE -” (Eph 4:1-3, emphasis
mine)
©2022
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