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HaigLaw,
Thanks again for the interaction.
No question the Marines are a completely different animal but the principle of accountability for decisions and the consequences to those under authority remains the same in the Church (See Joshua 9; 2 Samuel 21:1-14). The structure and the nature of authority is much different but the consequences of leadership are actually more far-reaching and dire in the Church. I'm not arguing, ultimately, that the SJC must set an example here. I simply wanted to uphold a Biblical principle on responsibility and accountability and that, sometimes, repenting certainly is appropriate and should be received but it doesn't releive one of the consequences.
Incidentally, the reason I didn't accept the call wasn't completely fear of the office but knowing I wasn't mature enough yet. It's sort of a thing where I understood the weight of the office and that I needed to grow to be able to serve in it. I do desire the office and am not running from it.
Thanks again for the interaction. I do hope you didn't feel like the Puritanboard was putting you on trial. I was really just trying to talk it out. Please forgive me if it ever seemed I was implying that you were acting dishonorably or un-Confessionally.
Blessings!
Rich
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