Can God Use the Innocent?

The pattern has become all too familiar, almost cliché. Man (as in mankind, either male or female) sins. Sin gets exposed. Man gets a revelation from God. Ministry sprouts out of the moral failure. I find it interesting that many feel led to preach/minister or are more empowered after their names are smeared down the hall of shame.

(Thomas Weeks and Juanita Bynum, Ted Haggard, etc. come to mind.)

The justification is almost always the same: “David was (insert sinful act or painful experience here) and look at how God used Him.” Or, here’s the excuse that baffles me the most, “God took me through “XYZ” to anoint me for his purpose.” Blah. Blah. Blah. We’ve heard it all before, as if God only operates effectively using damaged goods.

As a member of The Body, I’m offended by how often I hear this pattern of thinking and am moreso bothered that it goes unchecked. This spiritual logic is so prevalent it begs the question: Can God use the innocent, the untarnished? (Of course he can and does, which I will demonstrate later.)

I am not attempting to minimize the power of personal testimonies of triumph, healing, deliverance. BUT, while I am aware that God specializes in redemption (and I am thankful to be a sinner saved by his amazing grace), I am leery that half the people who have triumphed over a negative circumstance are “called” to minister or preach or that some great awakening occurs in the majority of ministers of the Gospel AFTER they falter or experience a significant breakthrough. If the fact that God has given you new life has caused you to want to work for Him in a formal capacity, then serve. Simply serve, WITHOUT A TITLE. But, by all means, do not assume that he has given you the ministry mantel ONLY as a result of your downfall.

Let's consider the scenario of when people are called or "enlightened" due to sin. Suppose the sin was never uncovered. Suppose there were no embarrassing rumors or any of the drama that would lead to public scrutiny. Then what? How many people would simply repent, learn from their mistake, leave the matter between them and God and carry the secret to the grave?

(TO BE CONTINUED--YOUR THOUGHTS ARE WELCOME.)