Justifying Our Actions

“Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” – Romans 10:3

On January 5, 2025, Jeffrey Brian Merrow, 60, was arrested for felony embezzlement and felony larceny. Merrow was a pastor at the Garden Creek Baptist Church, in Marion, North Carolina. The members of the congregation are accusing Merrow of allegedly using the church’s funds for personal gain.

According to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation carried out by Deputy Alicia Lund stated:
“During the meeting with church members, numerous receipts were presented to Lund for goods that were never purchased or services that were never rendered, all paid for using church funds,” the statement reads. “One receipt was for a claim to a local insurance company for items that were never stolen.”

Moreover, it was reported that many donations from church attendees meant for hurricane relief efforts were never used or delivered. Furthermore, many donated items such as chainsaws, generators, or heaters were reported stolen.

It is easy to justify sin when you establish your own righteousness.

“There are only two kinds of men: the righteous who believe they are sinners, the sinners who believe they are righteous.” – Blaise Pascal

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21