In the aftermath of the Gulf Oil spill, we have learned of corruption on almost every level. It seems that BP cut corners to make a profit. For example, its disaster plan was barely repackaged from a disaster plan for Alaska that spoke of saving walruses and seals. Amazingly, the Gulf plan included rescuing walruses! Evidence exists that basic safety practices were violated although they knew extremely high pressure existed within the well. Pressure to make a profit and speed up production overcame the pressure that was ready to explode.
Government oversight was no better and perhaps much worse. Former employees or even individuals who would be future employees of the oil companies oversaw the safety and procedures involved in drilling. Apparently, they had little time to do so, as “work” involved computer pornography, sexual liaisons, and enjoying the many favors granted them by the oil companies. Inspections on the oil rigs were mere cursory glances in which the oil company filled out the paperwork in pencil and afterwards the inspector went over the form in pen. The corruption transcended both Republican and Democratic administrations. Whistle blowers were routinely fired. Where else is the government on the job in such a way?
The oil spill is one more witness to the moral collapse of our country. For those who favor increased government regulation and involvement, the government appears incapable of extricating itself from corruption and extreme inefficiency bordering on paralysis. For those who favor less government intrusion, companies appear more than willing to cheat, steal, and do whatever it takes to make a profit even if wholesale disaster follows in the wake.
When the moral fabric of a society tears apart, no segment of that society is immune. Unfortunately, not even the church is immune. We would have had a fantastic opportunity to proclaim the Gospel in today’s society if the church had been a beacon of integrity. Instead, pastors such as Ted Haggard and materialistic Christian organizations designed to make their leaders rich are part of the downward slide to moral anarchy.
Although by far most Village Missionaries conduct themselves with integrity, and we have high standards within the administration, even some Village Missionaries fall far short. Recently I had to dismiss a missionary for behavior that reflected the deepest depths of depravity. Our three enemies, Satan, the world, and our flesh, gain great power and influence when all morality is in ruin. None of us is immune or incapable of embracing depravity.
The answer must lie first in resolving to make integrity our priority, nurtured by an intimate walk with Jesus Christ. At every candidate school, my final challenge to the candidates is a sermon from I Thessalonians 2:1-13. Reread this passage to see how committed Paul was to integrity in the ministry. Most of us, because of the nature of the Village Missions’ ministry, will have many opportunities to live out that integrity before people within our community. We of all people must model integrity.
Second, we must renew our focus on winning people to Christ and discipling them to be committed followers. Although some believers bear false witness to the Gospel by their corrupt lives, the Gospel is still true. Jesus Christ does change lives and He does enable us to live lives of integrity. He is the only answer in our collapsing world.
Finally, we must pray. The oil spill is only one witness to the devastation a moral collapse causes. We may indeed be approaching the end times and inevitable moral collapse before Jesus comes, but even so souls need to be won to Christ and Christians need to stand with integrity. We have seen in Village Missions entire communities transformed by the power of the Gospel. Pray that Christians in government, business, and in all walks of society might have lives that are testimonies of uprightness. Pray that they will have the courage to speak and stand against the corruption. And pray for Village Missions, that all of us might be powerful testimonies to the sufficiency of Jesus Christ to transform our lives and enable us to live lives of integrity.
Village Missions made the painful decision to eliminate its annual staff conference following the conferences in 2008. But Village Missionaries have still been getting together for smaller, regional conferences. These conferences, generally organized by the District Representatives, have been made possible by Peace Haven Ministries, local churches, and individual donors who recognize the need for missionaries to get away for a time of renewal and refreshment.
