Realize Others Have Gone Through This

It is a good thing to be in church!  It is a good thing to hear God's Word and have our lives transformed.  It is one thing to attend church and another thing to be in leadership at the church.

If a person is to be in leadership, Scripture tells of certain qualities to be present in their life.  In 1st Timothy we read that deacons must "keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience." (1 Timothy 3:9) Elders must go beyond this criteria and be able to teach. (1 Timothy 3:2)

In Titus we read that an elder must "hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." (Titus 1:9)

How can a Christian serve as a deacon or elder and fulfill these requirements if still in the Lodge?  If it can be said that the Lodge defines the nature of God in stark opposition to the Bible, and that it counters Christianity in most of its other teachings, how can a man be said to hold firmly to the trustworthy message?  If he does not believe the teachings of the Lodge, then he should be honest and step away from it.  If he does not believe the claims of Christ, which negate the universalism of the Lodge, he should also be honest and attend church, but not in the capacity of a leader. 

Many leaders feel isolated and somewhat fearful once the presence of secret societies is revealed in a church.  We just wish the whole situation would go away.  Isolation and loneliness are feelings Satan wants us to experience. 

Remember, you are not the only one to face this….and you won’t be the last.  Many leaders across the nation have successfully moved their churches through spiritual compromise toward victory in this area.  God will bring people into your life who will speak God’s security into your life.