Loveline Wake-Up Call

One week ago I was hanging out in Westwood One Studios, wearing a headset, listening to Pastor Mark and Loveline’s Dr. Drew answer call after call from young people around the country. Not my typical Tuesday night. I felt a range of feelings over the course of the show. Sometimes I laughed during the moments of silent shock that followed Pastor Mark’s curveball answers. He took many callers off guard by encouraging them to abandon unhealthy relationships because they are hopeless without Jesus. During other calls I was deeply grieved by those who have been harmed by others and as a result have believed lies and are now heading down a similarly destructive path. One common theme united every caller: confusion. Confusion regarding their past, confusion regarding sexual orientation, confusion with their girlfriend, boyfriend, STDs, and a host of other relationship issues. On the contrary, my common emotion throughout the evening was gratitude. Without Jesus I’m a Loveline caller: confused, helpless, and stuck in my sin with no direction. By God’s grace, Jesus has removed the confusion, shown me my sin, and provided a peace I never would have enjoyed without him. As a Christian it’s easy to become insulated from the culture at large and perceive life within the church as the norm. In fact the opposite is true. The Loveline cases far outnumber those in our comfortable church. My heart is burdened for these young men and women, confused and hurting. Let’s pray that more would see their need for Jesus and exchange their confusion for his peace.