We were appalled recently to learn of two separate
instances within the body of Christ in our area of men who were
arrested for allegedly sexually molesting young children. There
seems to be a national epidemic of sins being committed against
the most innocent of all people our children. When Jesus sought
to teach the true meaning of greatness, he called a little child
and set him in the midst of his disciples. In using little children
to illustrate true disciples, He said, "... whoso shall offend
one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for
him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were
drowned in the depth of the sea." Matthew 18:6.
Some would "hush-hush" such repulsive
matters. This has been practiced far too long. When immorality
was reported in the church at Corinth such fornication as is not
so much as named among the Gentiles Paul commanded them in the
name of our Lord to deliver the guilty one to Satan in the public
assembly! 1 Corinthians 5:1-5. Why does the church not address
these matters? On another matter, Paul said of them, "I speak
to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you?
No, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?"
6:5. Dear brothers, investigation, decision, and action are the
only means by which the guilty can be saved. We are commanded
to judge them that are within and to put away from ourselves these
wicked people. 5:13. Albert