Pretty crazy stuff, but it turns out that Mike Guglielmucci – writer of the song “Healer” and referenced in this post here – doesn’t have cancer – or at least in the physical sense – and actually never did. Apparently he made the whole thing up.
I’m sure this will provide fodder for newspapers, critics, and “christian blogs” for some time to come. I certainly don’t want to jump on the bandwagon but felt I should say something as I’d referenced the story in the post “Worship in truth when times are hard”.
Three thoughts:
1. Sin is a more life-threatening disease than cancer.
It turns out that the ‘disease’ that Mike was suffering from was not cancer but an addiction to pornography and a secret double life of sin.
I think it pays for us to listen up and pay attention here. Statistics show that this disease is far more prevalent than cancer. The Bible also tells us that a life of sin has far more destructive power and eternal consequences.
I might blog about this more at some point but in addition there is much about worship leaders, musicians, and general creative types that can leave us more susceptible to sin – particularly in today’s celebrity culture. In particular, sins that involve lust and any kind of fantasy, and there can be more temptation to live a hidden life of sin instead of walking in the light.
One thing I do know is that Satan loves to devour anyone – but particularly those who are in the spotlight, and those who are leaders. Be on your guard, stand firm in God, and resist him.
2. God really is the Healer
God does heal our physical sickness and He is a healer, but I believe in this time we’re here on earth he’s far more interested in healing our souls, our hearts, and setting us free from bondage to Sin through the finished work of Christ. To paraphrase “What will it profit a man to gain the best physical health possible but lose his soul”
3. Christ is the solid rock
Sadly we live in a world of celebrity and too many people will be rocked by this. Worship, ministry and life must be built on Christ alone if it is to remain unshaken. People will always fail. God never does. Make sure your faith is based on Him and He is first place in your list of heroes. The words of the hymn come to mind:
On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand.
Here’s Paul’s encouragement to the young man Timothy:
Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:19-22
Finally, if you’ve ever had any thoughts or prayers for Mike, his friends, and his family then don’t stop now. He still needs them – and the church army is one that should care for its wounded, not shoot them or just cast them aside.
FULL 
It seems appropriate with issues like this, to remember David, the man after God’s heart, and also at times the complacent, proud, adulterous, murdering, sinner. How depraved human nature is, when we forget our “new nature” – who we truly are and what we are called to be.
For David, and Mike, and all of us, there are consequences when we lose it, and the practical implications grow with our sphere of influence. For David, his authority in his family and his regal leadership was compromised from that point on. Similarly, for Mike, it’s hard to see on a practical level how he could return him to doing the same public leadership role that he did until recently. But that does not mean it’s the end.
On a personal level, David picked up his relationship with God again, pleading “Create in me a clean heart O God… don’t take Your Spirit from me”. Judging by his repentance, the Psalms he would continue to write, his planning work on the Temple towards the end of his life (which he knew he would not see in his own lifetime), I think God may have answered his prayer.
I’m encouraged that among the responses I’ve read and heard regarding Mike, humble, prayerful, positive, restoring attitudes (despite the shock – closely personal in some cases) have far outweighed the few destructive condemnations, from people generally a comfortable distance away.
Difficult times, but if we are to be shaken, then let it be God who shakes us and teaches us to keep walking humbly with Him. Many things to pray about here.
By: Wes Hinsley on August 28, 2008
at 10:26 pm