Following his death in May 2020, reports of sexual misconduct from Ravi Zacharias surfaced. The law firm Miller & Martin hired by RZIM itself, thoroughly investigated these allegations. They have been proven true. Although RZIM has taken serious actions as a result of this (a significant downsizing of the ministry, limiting the involvement of Ravi’s immediate family), it doesn’t stop the many questions and emotions hanging in the hearts of sincere believers.
But one thing that I know will creep into the heart of many is doubt and distrust (in leaders, in the message they preach); subconsciously or not.
We are all a part of the same body, so what happens to one part affects the whole body.
We are all a part of the same body, so what happens to one part affects the whole body. Click To TweetWe must not forget that though Ravi Zacharias spoke the words of God, he is(was) but a man, albeit a man with a platform. He was still very prone to temptations and also yielding to them just like we are. We are to resist temptation and so was he. Although he was a leader and much was expected of him, he wasn’t and isn’t the standard.
We are to resist temptation and so was he. Although he was a leader and much was expected of him, he wasn’t and isn’t the standard. Click To TweetHis resources are still useful. Please don’t hesitate to use them. Why? The gift and anointing of the Lord on a man, go beyond his frailties. Those resources are powerful not because Dr Ravi Zacharias was the best moral standard but because the Spirit of God was working through Him to answer the deep questions in His children’s hearts.
You are not necessarily supporting his misconduct by still using them, you are trying to learn something helpful for the gospel. God gets the glory, not him.
Don’t be dismayed, one with God is the majority. Some of you (I, inclusive), after hearing of his death probably thought, “ah! God, who will help us with apologetics now?” Now, after hearing the news of his misconduct, you may feel very discouraged. You are aware that the devil would like to milk on it. Don’t worry.
The growth and popularity of the gospel cannot be stunted. Through the preaching of the gospel, more people will be raised. The gospel will gain pre-eminence in the hearts of men. This is an unfair battle and the bias is on our side; we have the advantage of the Holy Spirit. We are still going to make a distinctive impact with an for the gospel. Let’s forge ahead.
Forgive him.
The scriptures instruct us to put away strife and bitterness. It will help your heart. Unforgiveness is like a poison and it doesn’t stop there. It grows into bitterness and bitterness spreads. Choosing not to forgive him will affect your view of Christian leaders in general which will hinder you from receiving from them. It will affect your love walk, so you will start being bitter towards the church in general. You will see everything wrong with it and may eventually stray from the faith. Bitterness spreads, we have a powerful message of grace. Let’s not give the devil a place.
Choosing not to forgive him will affect your view of Christian leaders in general which will hinder you from receiving from them. It will affect your love walk, so you will start being bitter towards the church in general. Click To Tweet Bitterness spreads, we have a powerful message of grace. Let’s not give the devil a place. Click To TweetPray for your leaders.
Pray they are not overtaken by the flesh and live honestly (Hebrews 13:18). For those already falling into temptation, pray for them to be convicted by the Holy Spirit so they can be brought to order, and restored before their hearts get hardened and more people are not greatly affected by their actions.
Pray. For your leaders. Pray they are not overtaken by the flesh and live honestly (Hebrews 13:18). For those already falling into temptation, pray for them to be convicted by the Holy Spirit so they can be brought to order, and… Click To TweetAlso, pray for the victims, their families. Pray for their healing and salvation.
Also, pray for the victims of Dr Ravi Zacharias and their families. Pray for their healing and salvation. Click To TweetIf you personally know anyone who has been a victim of abuse by leaders, please be there for them. Be kind, be loving. If you can, pay for their therapy.
Be of good cheer!!!!
Also Read When the Church Lets You Down
How Should Christians Respond To Church Scandal
To Those Who Have Lofty Expectations Of People In the Limelight
Thank you LifeGiva for this.
This is about the best submission I have read, matured and written with grace, grace effortlessly flowing from the writers heart to mine.
Thank you.
Thank you lifegiva.
Such a beautiful read.
I love how she emphasized He’s a man, and whatever happened doesn’t stop us from being blessed by his teachings
Hmmm…. I get the point of “he’s a man”, “forgiveness” and all that “Christian talk” but I feel very uncomfortable with the passive tone used at the point of talking about the Victims.
Maybe if we can be more emphatic about this issue and forget the other beautiful things you have written about the abuser, this piece would have been balanced.
How would you write this if it was your sister, mum, wife, cousin, niece, daughter, or friend that was sexually abused by Ravis? I’m just thinking.
And oh, I’m a Christian too and I know what rape can do to someone.
Peace.
Yes, we must forgive, but just as important is prayer & care for his ‘victims’, willing or unwilling. Let’s not forget, ‘to whom much is given, much is required’…Ravi had been given much. I hope & pray he repented & asked forgiveness from God – Who freely gives – before he took his final breath on this earth….hopefully there were witnesses to this, God knows & eternity will reveal.