It is frighteningly possible and disturbing to realize that one can be engaged in the work of ministry, preaching the gospel, telling people about Christ, even defending some truths of the faith, while living a life that denies God. The Bible contains many warnings about this.
Jesus warned that there will be many on the Day of Judgment who will say to him, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?
but he will say to them, I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers
(Matthew 7:22–23)! We might translate this into our modern context by saying there will be many who will say to the Lord on that day, Lord, Lord, did we not preach sermons in your name, and distribute tracts in your name, and defend orthodoxy in your name?
but he will say to them, Depart from me, I never knew you!
We hear regularly of ministers who fall into sexual immorality, financial scandals, or other public sins, and we are rightly scandalized. But we should ask what was going on in their lives behind the scenes before the scandal broke, when everyone thought they were doing the work of the Lord. What was the state of their personal walk with God—prayer, meditation on the word, the pursuit of holiness? Gross public sins are not produced in a moment; they are merely the sudden manifestation of a long slide into sin and unfaithfulness.
While we recognize the faults of others, let us take heed to ourselves: what is the state of our own inner life? Are we presenting ourselves to God as instruments of righteousness? Are we faithful in our own devotions? In our families? In our financial affairs? In the things that no one but God can see?
Paul’s warning should challenge us all: Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize
(1 Corinthians 9:26–27). And if that is not enough, think of Balaam, who uttered inspired prophecies but who was condemned as an immoral pagan priest (Numbers 22:1 – 24:25; Revelation 2:14).
10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.