restoration

This little story happened a few weeks ago in the regular all-staff meeting; it's not necessarily unique to Uganda but I found it encouraging. 

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. -Romans 8.1

As Uncle L. stood in front of the room, his face expressed some hesitation and fear. Whatever he was preparing to say would not be a simple confession of bad judgment or poor choices; this speech was life-changing, and he seemed almost to be re-thinking his decision to share. Still, he was there, in front of the crowd, after an attention-riveting introduction from Uncle Simon, and it was too late now.

The tale was short, though it had been developing for a few years. After his time in the New Hope Institute of Childcare and Family, Uncle L. had joined NHU as a Primary 7 teacher. The spiritual searching and insights he had received at the Institute continued to impact his life, yet something still niggled in his mind, a hidden sin that continued to fester until this past weekend, at the NHICF reunion.

Side note: I think NHICF might need a flashing sign on their webpage. It would say “Warning: Attend at Your Own Risk. Life-Changing Lessons Ahead.”

It turns out that Uncle L. had falsified his teaching credentials; his papers were a lie. Despite his obvious gift for teaching (both sets of his P7 students had excelled in their exams), he had misrepresented his qualifications and that lie was beginning to chafe his soul. The Holy Spirit continually pointed him back to his unacknowledged sin: How can I teach these kids about integrity if I am not a man of full integrity? The NHICF reunion was the breaking point; he went to his supervisor and confessed, valuing a restored relationship with God over a superior reputation among men.

Fully expecting anger and expulsion from NHU and the school, he was instead receiving with compassion, tears, and forgiveness. His humility and courage in repenting to his superiors, along with his willingness to leave his position immediately, brought restoration. He was commended for his honesty, prayed over by the ‘big men,’ and allowed to remain in his position as P7 teacher.

As he stood before his fellow staff, his story complete, forgiveness sought and received, Uncle Simon rose again. “I would like to read from Psalm 32.

Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,

Whose sin is covered.

Blessed in the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,

And in whose spirit there is no deceit.”

Another leader rose and spoke of how much more he respected Uncle L. for this confession. A third read from 3 John 4: I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Watching the scene, I was impressed with the joy of Romans 8.1. The lack of condemnation that stems from Christ’s extreme forgiveness is a solemn thing…but it is also a JOYFUL thing! May we always remember the joy that comes from confessing our sins to a God who continually delights to welcome us back into His presence though the blood of Jesus.