On November 6th, 2019, Charisma News released an article highlighting the details of accusations leveled against well-known “Christian comedian” Jon Crist.* Multiple reports of sexting, harassment, and manipulation are recorded. The reports revealed Crist had inappropriately approached and solicited from multiple women during several occasions throughout the past few years.

My heart broke as I heard the details described and also his publicly stated apology. It broke, not because I’m a big fan of his, I actually don’t know much about him and have only seen a few of his videos and have never been to any of his shows, but because the testimonies presented of his uncontrolled sinful behavior have grave consequences to both the women affected and the church at large. No Christian should rejoice when things like this happen to anyone, whether they are a public Christian figure or just a not so well-known believer. Further, our hearts should also break for the victims of his predatory behavior.

What’s common in such situations is the fact that men like Crist, who have been on the public arena and spotlight, was only found out and decided to cancel his tour after he was found out. After things “blew up” he issued this statement,”

“Over the past number of years, various women have accused me of behavior that has been hurtful to them. While I am not guilty of everything I’ve been accused of, I confess to being guilty of this—I have treated relationships with women far too casually, in some cases even recklessly. My behavior has been destructive and sinful. I’ve sinned against God, against women and the people who I love the most. I have violated my own Christian beliefs, convictions and values, and have hurt many people in the process. I am sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused these women and will continue to seek their forgiveness. I have also hurt the name of Jesus and have sought His forgiveness. Those closest to me—my family, team and close friends—have known about this battle for some time, and now you do too. I’m ashamed of my behavior and I’m so sorry for hurting so many people. I don’t blame anyone but myself. I’m responsible for my actions and I’ve repented and am taking full ownership. I realize it will be difficult for some people to ever forgive me, and I accept that as a result of my bad decisions and actions. Over several recent years, I have privately sought and received regular professional treatment for my sexual sin and addiction struggles. I’m committed to getting healing and freedom from my sin and have decided to cancel my remaining tour dates this year and to postpone all future commitments in order to devote all my time and energy on getting healthy spiritually, mentally and physically. My entire career has been lived out on stage, and even though I’ve shared many of my life struggles with my audiences, I’ve lived in constant fear of the darkest parts of my life being exposed publicly. My greatest fear has been that those who have loved and supported me would hate me if they knew everything about me. I now humbly seek forgiveness and mercy and love—not just for me, but for those I’ve hurt along my path. I’m so sorry.”

Crist reveals a few important things about his struggles. First, recognized his guilt for sinful behavior and allegedly has sought repentance. Second, he acknowledged his behavior is contrary to Christian values. Third, He does not try to blame shift. His desire to get healthy spiritually, mentally, and physically is to be commended. Fourth, and final, he is seeking forgiveness, mercy, and love.

His statement also reveals a few things we need to be aware of. First, his career as a Christian comedian is most likely over. Though Crist is certainly not a pastor, neither does he claim to be one, the consequence for his sinful behavior is exponentially bigger than for any average Christian just simply attending church, primarily because of his public persona. After all he did share the stage (or pulpit) of many a church congregation around the nation. Paul’s words ring somewhat heavily on this situation, “Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable … Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil” (1 Tim 3:2;7).

Second, Crist’s behavior is a warning to pastors and churches who simply invite public Christian figures into their pulpit stages or churches without thoroughly vetting them. No one is to blame here. As Crist indicated in his public apology, only those close to him apparently knew of his sexual addiction. The onus is more on them, if indeed they knew this was a significant problem to tell others about it, to keep him accountable, and shield him from having such elevated influence within the Christian world in America. How do churches properly vet certain Christian artists and figures before they invite them into their churches? I have no clue! But this incident certainly may generate some helpful discussion on the issue.

And finally, these new terrible revelations about his untoward behavior should cause us all to stop and evaluate our own conduct. We should not jump to judge and condemn him. He does claim to be a believer, therefore we should lovingly pray for him and if we are close to him we should help him find the help he needs. Pastors, church leaders, theologians, and elders, should all take pause and recognize we are all exposed to the enthralling enticements of sin. Furthermore, surveys show that a great percentage of Christian men struggle with sexual addiction. The statistics for Christian men between 18 and 30 years old are particularly striking: 77% look at pornography at least monthly; 36% view pornography on a daily basis; 32% admit being addicted to pornography (and another 12% think they may be – though women also struggle with pornography, 25%, the struggle is for them is also existent). If you struggle with pornography or any type of sexual addiction…SEEK HELP NOW!

Sin’s fangs are ready to always suck our spiritual blood (life), the devil is ever more preoccupied with devouring us, and the consequences to others and the glory of God are indeed grave. While we must not be Pharisaical (“And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, ‘Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her'” – John 8:7), we must also not be naive. Let us all purse after holiness and be on constant watch. In the words of the Apostle Peter,

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8

Written by Daniel Messina

*(https://www.charismanews.com/us/78703-john-crist-cancels-2019-tour-dates-after-reports-of-sexting-harassment-manipulation