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We get a lot of mail from listeners and newsletter readers. Much of it involves questions about particular artists. We try to answer every inquiry, if possible, to the best of our ability and limited resources.

But over the years, something has bothered me greatly. We get so many inquiries along these lines: "Why did so-and-so really leave such-and-such a group?" "Is it true that so-and-so divorced his wife and had to leave the road?" "Whatever happened to so-and-so's husband?" And there have been many even worse which I'll not even characterize here.

What is the motivation for such inquires?

I am uncomfortable dealing with such issues. I want no part in spreading negative news. I don't want to spread lies, either, when I know that's what they are. I confess that I may sometimes be too willing to accept an "innocent" reason for some group change, or whatever, not realizing there was something more involved. But would spreading such dirt really be edifying for anyone?

No, not all individuals who call themselves Gospel singers are above reproach. But, more generally, are all who call themselves Christians above reproach?

Let me make these points clear:

First, with the perspective of more than two decades on the "front lines" in Southern Gospel music (some of you have been around much longer), I firmly believe that most people involved today in Southern Gospel music are genuine in their love for the Lord and their desire to spread the Gospel through their music ministry for the glory of God. And I believe this may even be more true generally than ever before.

Sure, there are a few notable examples out there (which I refuse to chronicle) of less-than-proper behavior. But the percentages are very small - and probably less than what could be found in a typical church congregation. And, for that matter, it's no worse than could be found in any other form of Christian music.

Does that excuse improper, sinful behavior? Absolutely not. Does it mean Gospel singers should be held to a higher standard? Well, they certainly should be held to the highest standard if they are representing Christ. But does that question imply that other Christians can be held to a lower standard? I don't think so. Sin is sin.

Now, to those who might enjoy spreading slander about various artists: do you realize that what you are doing is no less sinful than what you are condemning in others? Consider: "He that...uttereth a slander is a fool." (Proverbs 10:18.) "Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off." (Psalm 101:5.) And Timothy stresses that deacons' wives, for example, must "not [be] slanderers." (1 Tim. 3:11.) Again -- sin is sin.

Those who love to slander Christians who have transgressed remind me of the Pharisees who brought to Jesus the woman taken in adultery. What did Jesus say? "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her... And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one..." What did Jesus tell the woman? "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more." (John 8:7,9,11.) The Pharisees wanted to make an example of her for their own purposes. Christ forgave and told her to "sin no more." Only God can forgive sin, of course. But wouldn't Christ's compassionate approach be much better for us?

"Oh, but Paul, I need to know all of the lurid details so I can properly pray for these people."

Rubbish. God knows all about these people and their circumstances - more than you could ever know, imagine or even suspect. He knows their hearts -- and knows exactly what's needed to bring them back to a right relationship with Himself. Remember that these are Christian brothers or sisters who have transgressed. Earnestly lift them up in your prayers and ask God to see that His will might be done in and through their lives. Pray that they will find repentance and restoration. And, while you're at it, pray earnestly that God will not allow the transgressions of a very few to tarnish the earnest ministries and reputations of most in the field.

What does it profit the cause of Christ to slander those who have spread the Gospel, even if they individually transgress later? Doesn't it reflect on all Christian music artists? And doesn't that reflect on all Christians? When one part of the body of Christ is slandered, all parts are slandered. And isn't the world already too ready, willing and eager to call Christians hypocrites? They're eager for new
"examples."

Note this from Ephesians 4: "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Verses 29-32.)

I truly believe that God is dealing with this issue in the Southern Gospel music field. He always has and always will. Notice how many group membership changes there have been this year? Now, please understand - I think the vast majority of these are for good, proper reasons. But maybe not all. Maybe that's where God enters the picture - rearranging and positioning true ministers-in-song (the artists) better to prepare His bride in these last days.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (Philippians 4:8.)

- Paul Heil

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