Chae DB reply

One of the major temptations and challenges I think chaplains face is sexual immorality. In Pastoral Theology course, I studied Rev. Marty O'Rourke's Guard Your Heart (GYH) video series, which was designed to help recognizes and address the factors that often lead to moral failure.  While chaplains are called to serve as spiritual leaders and moral exemplars (salt and light of the world), to overcome these temptations requires deliberate training and spiritual maturity.

In GYH Video 3, Richard Blackman's 1984 study shows that 13% of pastors in mainline denominational pastors self-reported that they had sexual misconduct with a member of their congregation. This is the equivalent of about one in eight people. In addition, the statistics found that 12% of clergy had experience of being involved in adultery during their ministry. These statistics demonstrate that sexual temptation is by no means a problem limited to a small minority. Such statistics also reveal the serious consequences that can result when clergy fail to recognize and address their own vulnerabilities.1

Jesus warned in John 10:10 that “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” Satan continually attacks chaplains in an effort to destroy their spiritual influence and effectiveness. However, 1 Corinthians 10:13 promise that God does not allow us to be tested that we cannot afford, and that he also gives us a way to avoid when we are tested. As Robert Dees argues, chaplains are not exempt from compassion fatigue, burnout, or the emotional impact of trauma; therefore, resilience must be intentionally cultivated throughout ministry and military service.2 I agree that resilience is very important. even though we fell into temptation, we must have resilience to "bounce back".

The first step in preventing sexual misconduct is awareness. We must acknowledge that all of us are vulnerable to spiritual attack. Many clergy build false sense of confidence that their position will protect them, lacking in specialized training (we haven't been adequately trained about the danger), underestimating the power of sexual temptation, and being naive about the impact of culture. Vulnerability is recognizing our human weakness and our potential to drift away from faithfulness to God. I believe that humility is an attitude most necessary for overcoming temptations. The recognition that it could happen to me too. Therefore, chaplains must cultivate confidence in God rather than confidence in ourselves. 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall.” 

Therefore, acknowledging our own vulnerability, prioritizing our relationship with God, maintaining accountability within the faith community, and continually remembering our calling is crucial for overcoming temptations. Guarding our hearts means honestly facing our weaknesses and remaining dependent upon God. Ultimately, Guard our heart teaches us protecting our hearts is essential for protecting both our ministry and our calling.