But for the Grace of God
But for the grace of God go I … the phrase popped into my head as I was sitting shocked by the Mortification of Spin episode from July 15th. Shocked, merely by the title and quickly becoming outraged, hurt, even betrayed—which are some pretty strong emotions for a haphazard listener. (Well, now, a NON-listener.)
My podcast game is, lacking—to pad the facts. There are many good reasons I have never invested in podcasts (there are five young children-reasons running about) and rather more substandard reasons (how does anyone wear ear-pods?), but suffice it to say I am a poor podcast commitment. When I do, however, find myself hitting the purple app, more often than not a MoS episode begins. They are (were) a wonderful team—erudite, witty, current, and a fellowship of believers. Which is why I was shocked by the recent actions, or lack thereof, of Todd Pruitt and Carl Trueman.
But for the grace of God go I.
My knowledge of the gritty details is vague—essentially Aimee Byrd was ambushed with a list of questions to answer under the guise of a response to her book, and upon refusing was released from the podcast. I am aware enough that public statements contain mere scraps of truth no matter how people might dive to discover more. It was in my oblivious state that I blithely assumed the men of God who would sit with Aimee as a co-host, co-heir of Christ, and champion of her book (at the very least champion of her right to write a book) would speak up for her; they would use the voice that she helped make relevant to speak for her. Not in complete agreement with everything she says, does, or thinks but as brothers in Christ standing solidly with her repeated orthodox beliefs. Quite the opposite.
But for the grace of God go I.
I will no longer listen to the Mortification of Spin podcast. I have nothing to recommend them, other than a warning. Who we are in front of microphones is not always who we are in actions. What we say we believe does not always equate to what we do.
But for the grace of God go I.
Ministries are run by people, podcasts are peopled by sinners, blogs are written in anger or haste or poor taste—we are still being made perfect. This warning is also to myself.
When those ministries, podcasts, blogs are no longer peopled by believers willing to count the cost for Christ and lay down their agenda for His, that is the time to walk away.
Because of the grace of God, I go.
