“I really believe you have the integrity to handle great success… “

Craig Groeschel said this to me a few weeks ago. He’s the kind of guy who doesn’t just say stuff to hear himself talk. He’s also very discerning and prophetic, I think.

The reason this quote meant so much to me is that I’m absolutely terrified of screwing up.
I’m not talking about making a dumb decision. I already do that a lot, and life goes on.
The type of screw up I’m talking about is the disqualifying kind.
Unfortunately, you don’t really have to use your imagination to picture this scenario.
Christian leaders seem to drop like flies these days. No need to name names. You’re already listing them in your mind. And the list is way too long.

In fact, in my short ministry tenure, I’ve already preached in the churches of 4 different ministers who couldn’t keep their pants on, and are now out of the game because of an extra marital affair. It makes me mad, it makes me sad, and it scares me to death.
I’ve also preached in the churches of guys who are out of the ministry because they were using drugs behind the scenes. Others are sidelined because they couldn’t keep their hands off the money.

Nothing frightens me more than the possibility that I could hurt my family, my church, and the worldwide cause of Christ by committing a sin from which my marriage or ministry could never recover.
I have placed thorough and rigid systems of accountability in my life, and I work hard at loving God with my whole heart every single day.

But I needed to hear a great general in the body of Christ like Pastor Craig say that he believes in me…
that in our short friendship he’s seen all the indications that I’ll make it…
It makes me really want to prove him right.
And, in Jesus’ name, I believe I will.
Thanks Craig.