How to Avoid Going Down in Flames

A few weeks ago, I was surprised to read the headline that read, “Author Philip Yancey Confesses Affair, Withdraws for Ministry.” He’s the best-selling author of such outstanding books as The Jesus I Never Knew and What’s So Amazing About Grace?, both of which were named Book of the Year in their respective years by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Altogether his books have sold 15 million copies in English and have been translated into 40 languages. He’s one of my favorite authors and has written 25 books, 12 of which I own.

I was saddened to see the headline but got more dismayed as I read the entire article. My initial thought was that perhaps he had had a temporary lapse and made a one-time mistake. But, unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. It turns out he was involved in an eight-year relationship with a married woman. That was more than giving in in a moment of weakness. An eight-year affair doesn’t just happen.

The article didn’t identify the time period for his affair, but, no doubt, he was writing some of his tremendously insightful books while involved in this inappropriate relationship. How can that be?

A few weeks after the news broke, I happened upon a podcast from Brad Bright, son of Cru founder Bill Bright. During my nine years on Cru staff, I heard Bill Bright speak dozens of times and even briefly met him once or twice. He was a man of impeccable character who finished well. Brad was commenting on Yancey’s situation, and he offered an important insight from his dad’s life that sheds light on why some people crash and burn and others don’t.

In his podcast, Brad stated that his dad was able to end well because he began each day on his knees, recommitting his life to the Lord and dedicating the day’s activities to him.

Of course, I can’t look into Philip Yancey’s heart. Nor do I wish to judge him. But as I thought about Brad Bright’s podcast, I don’t see how Yancey could have started his days like Bill Bright did and carried on such a wrong relationship for so many years. A momentary lapse – while still wrong – is somewhat understandable, but not an eight-year affair.

About a year ago, I started beginning most days by praying through two awesome passages from Psalms:

Search me, O God, and know my heart;

                Try me and know my thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me;

                And lead me in the everlasting way

Psalm 139:23-24

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

                Be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer

Psalm 19:14

It’s unlikely that Bill Bright used these exact same verses, but I’m sure the sentiment of his daily prayers paralleled David’s in these psalms. He finished well, no doubt because of his practice of reminding himself daily of whose he was and committing to honor him the best he could.

My heart breaks for Philip Yancey. He’s contributed so much to the body of Christ over the decades! I pray that God continues to minister to him and that he can experience the grace of God he so eloquently wrote about.

If you are not starting each day recommitting yourself to Jesus, I suggest you do so. And these two sets of verses from Psalms are a great place to start.

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• How do you react when you hear unfortunate news about a Christian leader suffering a moral lapse?

• What steps are you taking to reinforce your loyalty and commitment to Jesus?

“Search me, O God . . . “

Psalm 139:23