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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Pastor (11/30/06)
“Pastor Bob, can I get your advice?” Marie asked.

“Sure,” I replied, as I patted the chair with one hand, and turned off my computer monitor with the other.

Marie sat down, crossed her arms, and leaned toward me. I couldn’t help but notice her low-cut blouse.

“Mike and I are having problems. Seems that we can’t even be in the same room together for more than two seconds without arguing.”

Marie went on and on about her marital woes, and although I nodded with understanding, and acted as if I was totally focused on helping her work through things, what I was really thinking about was what it would be like to hold her in my arms.

“I’ll be sure to pray for you and Mike” I promised.

“Thanks,” she replied, as she made her way toward the door.

“Would you mind closing the door on your way out?”

“Oh, sure. No problem” she said as she flashed her trademark smile.

Let’s see now, where was I? Ah yes, the computer.

I turned the monitor back on, and took in forbidden images that drew my attention and propelled my thoughts into dark caverns where no pastor’s mind should go. I knew it was wrong, but was it really hurting anyone? I mean, after all, it’s not like I’d ever actually act on my fantasies.

Hmmm. . . I wonder what it would be like to be with Marie? I mused as I continued to click on photo after photo.

**********


Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

“Pastor Bob?”

“Yes?”

“Do you have a minute?”

“Of course, Tim. I always have time for the other pastors on staff of our church.”

“Thanks.”

“What can I do for you?”

Tim took a seat. His face turned red, he cracked his knuckles, and looked everywhere but in my eyes.

“Um, you see, I have a problem.”

“You know, you can tell me anything, Tim. What is it?”

“Whew” he said, as he blew out a big breath of air. “Um, I’m afraid to tell you this because I know it might cost me my job. But I just can’t hold this in any longer.”

“Tell me what’s bothering you.”

“Well, I didn’t really mean to get into it. It was innocent enough the first time. I mean, I got an email, and it had a link that was supposedly for life insurance, but when I clicked on it, it took me to a porn site.”

“Really?”

“Yeah.”

“So what did you do?”

“That’s the bad part. I looked, and kept looking, and I’ve been looking ever since.”

“Hmmm. . . that is bad.”

“Have you ever had that problem?”

“Well, no, Tim, can’t say that I have.”

“Oh.”

What kind of a liar and deceiver am I?

“Tim, wait a minute. I just lied. I do struggle. I struggle quite a bit, in fact. One of the biggest problems is I’ve been afraid to talk to anyone about this. Everyone has such high expectations for pastors.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean. So what do we do?”

“Well, I have an idea. Just the other day I got an email about a program that may be helpful to us. It’s called, Covenant Eyes. It tracks all of your Internet activity, and then sends a log of visited websites to an accountability partner. Would you like to be accountability partners?”

“Yes! I really need help.”

“So do I. Let’s start by praying together.”

We knelt together on my office floor and bowed our heads, as I led out in prayer. “Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner."

"Yes, Father. Forgive us our trespasses, and lead us not into temptation. And help us, Lord, to walk in humility and honesty as we seek to serve You in integrity as we minister Your grace to others.”

“Amen.”

Somehow, I think I’ll be able to stand with my brother by my side.

********

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself (Galatians 6:1-3 NKJV).
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Ryan Tribble
12/07/06
Interesting: When I first began to read, I said, “Oh dear. Where is this one going?” I read on, and you did a very good job on capturing “practice what you preach.” This is a real eye opener, capturing the tragedy of the “hidden sin” of many believers. This is a good piece.
Norma OGrady
12/08/06
It didn't hold my interest at the begining. This is where you need to capture the reader.
Over all? GOOD WRITING!!
God bless
Sunset Splendor
12/08/06
Very good for pastors are men and imperfect and you conveyed that perfectly.
Sara Harricharan
12/14/06
Good title and a good story. I'm glad he owned up in the end and was able to help someone else, who in turn helped him. This is indeed a very real struggle for pastors today, you did a good job of showing how they do struggle with it and that there is a way out.
Cheri Hardaway
12/14/06
I really liked how the lesson was taught, and wouldn't God just do something like that? Reveal hidden sin. It held my interest throughout. I would try and use just a bit less dialogue; otherwise, change nothing. Great job. Blessings, Cheri
william price
12/14/06
The power of accountability! Very nice job. I personally like dialogue and thought you handled it well enough. Your better writing was when you let the characters speak. Keep working and learning. In this story you delivered your messaged effectively and kept my interest. God bless.
Catrina Bradley
12/14/06
You've handled a difficult topic well. I like the way it turned out, but his sudden change of heart in the middle of his conversation with Tim seemed too sudden to me, and I sensed no feeling of remorse after. Aside from that, I liked your work, your writing is great, and it was a good story with a great message.
Phyllis Inniss 
12/14/06
You held my interest throughout. You conveyed the struggle that not only you, but others experience and how you were able to deal with it. It was a God-given moment that the other pastor came to you with the same problem that gave you the opportunity to resolve it in prayer.
Pat Guy
12/15/06
What an awesome message! Great incites, flow and dialogue.

Tighten it up some and you could submit this somewhere as a devotional to get out this website.