Papier-mâché is defined as paper mixed with glue or flour and water that can be shaped to make decorative objects or models and becomes hard when dry. It is also synonymous with “unreal” and “artificial.”
It is sad but true: We are witnessing a distressing increase in papier-mâché giants in Christian ministry. These are men and women in prominent positions whose lives are a mixture of ingredients shaped into decorative models of influence, impact and inspiration. Yet somewhere along the path of religious stardom, their hearts have become hard and their souls dry.
We live in a culture where pride has replaced humility and immunity has replaced accountability. What is preached, written and sung in public is not always practiced in private. Too often we place the artificial on our platforms and programs while assigning the real saints to the audience.
The news this week of yet another prominent Christian admitting to an eight-year affair with a married woman has sent ripples across both secular and spiritual waters. His marriage of 55 years testifies to commitment, but not to faithfulness. He wrote thoughtful and touching words on faith and grace that he failed to live up to. His books, which helped millions confront doubts and hardships, have now created doubts and hardships for his wife.
The influence of these papier-mâché giants is enormous. Their moral and ethical failures erode trust that churchgoers have in spiritual leaders and that young Christians have in their musical celebrities. As someone has observed, it casts a dark shadow over every message they have ever preached — and every song they have ever sung.
We know that all humans are flawed and infected with a sin nature. Yet Jesus’ words in Luke 12:48 remind us: “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” With the call to serve comes the obligation to obey.
Becky and Jerry Drace
The lure of fame and influence often distorts priorities. Papier-mâché giants build massive fan bases, hawk their wares, produce extensive podcasts and dine with movers and shakers more than with their own families. They become legends in their own minds, making them vulnerable to temptation and moral compromise. While they may rationalize their secret sinful lifestyles, they cannot justify them before a holy God.
These giants most often confess their transgressions after being confronted, repent after being reported, and seek forgiveness after the fact. Luke 8:17 applies to all of God’s children: “For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light.”
Yet praise God — he does forgive when we confess with a broken heart and repent in tears of regret. God alone can create a clean heart, renew a steadfast spirit and restore the joy of his salvation to a contrite child.
Forgiveness, however, does not cancel the consequences of our choices. There is indeed a high price to pay for low living. This is an important lesson for anyone chosen for a unique role in God’s kingdom.
The vast majority of Christian evangelists, pastors, professors, denominational leaders and entertainers practice in private what they profess in public. They are people of authenticity and integrity — essential ingredients in the life of every Christian leader. It is so sad that habitual papier-mâché giants are void of both virtues.
Jerry Drace is a vocational evangelist living in Humbolt, Tenn., and with wife Becky, lead their ministry Hope for the Home.
