Pastoral Outreach Knows No Politics

It is sad that the rift caused by political partisanship in this country has carved deep wounds in the souls of so many Americans. In a world in which we all have missed the mark at one time or another, certainly no political party, candidate or partisan aim is free of flaws. But in a nation that holds in its creed oneness under God, those we have chosen to lead must be held close to the word of the Creator, though sinners we all are.

Some have criticized my public appearance with President Clinton because of his alleged moral and ethical infractions. A murmur of “How could a man of God cavort with such an unsavory character?” seems to permeate the hearts of a segment of the American public. But let us all remember, Jesus Christ made himself available to all in need, and not for their outward piety. He sought out those who lurked in the shadows of society, and above all he loved them for the potential of goodness that waited to be awakened in their souls.

Because I myself am imperfect and because I have dedicated my life to resurrecting myself and others, I feel that anyone who comes seeking truth and guidance that only God can give is deserving of my respectful attention. If someone comes to me and asks, “Will you help me find spiritual direction?” I’m compelled to help that person as best I can.

Every Sunday our ministry reaches multiplied millions of people around the world, all of whom are guilty of falling short of what God has planned for their lives. Is it cause for controversy that we should minister to one more?

With God it does not matter whence a person came; the only thing God cares about is where we are going from now on. The past is not the present. The future holds unlimited possibilities for those who will accept divine guidance and grace.

There are many who are hurting and are in need of help in our country today. Could we deny any of them if they came seeking counsel? The point is that I have counseled presidents of both political parties. Each and every day I receive letters and give help to people who may never reach the pinnacles of government or have fame and fortune, yet they are in spiritual need. Our president, who has been elected to lead us into the new millennium, needs spiritual guidance like all of us. Is it not in the best interest of our country that he receive the word of God?

Over the last four years our world has changed in many significant ways. Numerous nations have not only experienced external threats, but have been torn apart by internal struggle as well. In Israel, the birthplace of Christ, a bitter feud erupted in the assassination of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, a man with whom many had ideological differences, but who was undeniably working to achieve peace. I see a parallel situation developing in this country; bitter ideological differences are also threatening to tear our country asunder.

As a people with strong traditions of working for what is right, we must not allow ego, power or prestige to cloud our focus. The trappings of prominent elected offices do not shield the occupants from the challenges, temptations and failures of daily life. In fact, public figures are often more susceptible because they are isolated. There are times when even our leaders must be nourished. We should encourage the president in his spiritual quest.

For all Christians and people of faith in America, the occasion of our president’s public pronouncement of spiritual commitment should be a time for celebration rather than alarm. For those who truly care about spreading the word of God and his commandments, the appearance of the president of the United States at the doors of the church should bring joy to our hearts.

My relationship with the president is fully consistent with my role as a pastor: to comfort, shepherd and pray. I am not here to judge President Clinton or anyone else; only God can do that. All we can and should do is listen to him and encourage him in his search for spiritual guidance.

Having preached the word of God for almost half a century, I certainly have seen human souls transformed. I have faith in the power of God to look into the hearts of men and women and see goodness. I know that he can inspire goodness to be revealed and received. I believe that sinners can become saints. Thus it is with faith and hope that I and my staff will continue to counsel and encourage those who come to us to improve themselves.

Already President Clinton has shown signs that he’s willing to repair the breaches both within his personal life and among the citizens of our country. At the National Prayer Breakfast, the president bravely acknowledged his own shortcomings, including at times being hypocritical, self-righteous and hard-hearted. That says something about his character, that he has the courage to vulnerably look within himself and find room for improvement. By looking to the Bible and seeking spiritual guidance, he is taking steps to reconcile our differences. The least we can do is to vigilantly pray not only for our presidents but for all of us who seek the truth. Let us all be “repairers of the breach and restorers of paths to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12).