Psalm 69:6 Lord, the Lord Almighty,
    may those who hope in you
    not be disgraced because of me;
God of Israel,
    may those who seek you
    not be put to shame because of me.

This is a prayer of a genuine servant of God. Every time a Church leader falls, those who had been served by them are embarrassed. Our actions always influence more than ourselves, but that is doubly true for those in leadership positions. As James noted, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1) To some that seems unfair, and many “Preacher’s Kids” and “Missionary Kids” have rebelled against it, not wanting to be under a microscope because of their parents. However, there is no denying human nature, and that’s how things are. PKs and MKs notwithstanding, God sets people up as examples, and we are to fulfill the positions God has prepared for us. That’s why every real minister of the Lord needs to pray this prayer with some regularity. We are indeed under attack, and if we fall, many are adversely affected. The most dangerous attitude is thinking you are fine, that you are not vulnerable, but we forget that the devil is smarter than we are. However, he’s not smarter or stronger than God, so as long as we are genuinely submitted to God and abiding in Christ, we have nothing to worry about. We aren’t to be legalistic, counting our steps on the Sabbath and that sort of thing, but we are to remember that we are being watched, and that God wants to show Himself mighty through us.

Growing up as an MK, I don’t think I ever really felt this pressure, though I knew many people who did. Some, in fact, completely discarded Christianity, at least for a while, but I think their parents must not have been consistent at home, as opposed to their “public face.” Children are the closest beneficiaries of the prayer in this verse! I don’t think I ever detected hypocrisy in my parents, and I am deeply grateful. In fact, one of my father’s core principles was Absolute Honesty, and he stuck to it faithfully, as much at home as anywhere else. For myself, I have avoided drinking alcohol for exactly this reason. At one point in college I actually tried to get drunk, just for the experience, but several ounces of bourbon didn’t even give me a buzz. Not feeling a need for it, I wasn’t as tempted as many are, but I have always been aware of the influence factor, and I haven’t wanted to influence someone else to drink when they didn’t have the same enzyme shield I did. In Japan, that has required explaining why I didn’t drink on many occasions, but it has thankfully been respected, for the most part. On a positive note, my relationship with my wife has been noticed by many, and admiringly commented on. I’m grateful!

Father, thank You for making me aware that people watch me. Growing up as a Caucasian in Japan, that was inescapable! Help me be the influence You want me to be, drawing people to You and helping them understand Your grace and love, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!