Does a confession from a public person automatically negate all the work they have accomplished for the Kingdom?
Recently, Michael Tait from the Newsboys published a confession of sin and the struggles he faces with sexuality. Shamefully, many fellow artists knew of his activities and struggles, but did nothing to confront him in love and Biblical truth.
Since his confession, many in Christian music have sought to distance themselves from him. Some have reached out in love and a spirit of reconciliation. Those who have struggled with same-sex attraction know the battle well and that it’s not an easy temptation to overcome. You don’t overcome it once and you’re done, it’s a lifelong battle.
But here’s the question I have: Does Michael’s confession negate all of the good he has been a part of for the Kingdom?
I know this is a deep, uncomfortable, and spiritual question, but it’s healthy for us to discuss it, because it’s in the church! As followers of Jesus, we need to be prepared and confident enough to confront a brother or sister caught in sin.
I would truly like to open up a dialogue about this with you … please respond with your thoughts in a kind and Biblically based way.
I’ll start — I don’t think a confession of sin should negate previous work accomplished for the Kingdom among Christians. But I believe it deeply affects non-believers, and we need to be aware of that. At the same time, we shouldn’t throw a brother or sister under the bus. None of us is without sin in our lives. If we had to be sinless, none of os would be in ministry or even able to follow Jesus.