I recently was provided with the book “Just Walk Across the room: Simple Steps pointing people to Faith” by Bill Hybels
I was happy when the book was given to me. I knew of the recent controversies surrounding Hybels (If you don’t know about it a quick Google search will inform you). However, I received it happily and began reading it happily in efforts to help me be more apt and active in sharing my faith and teaching others to do the same.
I am about 50 pages into the book. If I would have read the book a year or two ago I would have enjoyed it. I would have been encouraged by it . I would have been helped by it.
I thought I could disregard the controversy. I was wrong because sin ripples and sin stains.
With each story of someone he witnessed to and that came to faith I wonder; did they survive the controversy? How has what Bill did affect their faith?
With each story about being led by the Holy Spirit, I am cynical. I wonder if it is true. I wonder if he really was and what else was going on in his life during that plane ride where he shared his faith. I wonder when he Just walked across the room what was going on in the other room with the doors closed.
Sin can’t be isolated. It ripples. It stains. It sticks. It contaminants.
The choices we make in life will affect more than we will truly ever know. The choices we make have deep and lasting ramifications to the kingdom of God.
I don’t know if Bill’s sin has contaminated too much what I can learn from him in this book or any of his others. I don’t know if I can get through the book. This fact may say more about me and possible judgmental attitudes than him. Whatever the case may be, it does illustrate plainly sin stains.
This should give us pause. Stop, think, consider. How has my sin reverberated throughout my life and the life of others? How has my sin contaminated? How has my sin-stained and broken things? How have I fallen way short of perfect? You may not be a sexual predator (or maybe you are) but your bad choices and your sin do affect others whether you want to believe it or not.
There is Good news Jesus cleanses. Jesus purifies. Jesus heals.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. – I John 1:8-9
God can do a work in Bill Hybels heart.
God can bring healing to the women Hybels preyed upon
God can forgive me and make me new and He can do the same for you.