‘God Is in the Business of Always Cleaning House’
James emphasized that accountability is essential.
“I’m not justifying what was done because it was terrible and tragic and should never have happened or when it began, it should have been exposed,” he said. “But I know my journey of what I went through and it’s hard and I understand the toxicity that the industry can have like any industry where people unfortunately go into overtime to protect the brand, to protect livelihoods, to protect, to protect, to protect.”
“I think God is in the business of always cleaning house,” James said. “Whether we like it or not. No matter where it’s at. But he does it because he loves us.”
James said Christian leaders should avoid placing people on pedestals.
“We put people on pedestals and worship them like they’re rockstar gods,” he said. “We love to elevate our heroes and worship these celebrities, whether it’s in the music industry or it’s a pastor of a church or it’s our favorite podcast person or our online influencer.”
“People were never meant to be put on pedestals and worshiped,” James said. “Given the right scenario, it’ll mess up your attitude, your foundation, and your ego.”
Ultimately, the Newsboys co-founder said redemption requires honesty.
“Part of telling your redemptive story is taking responsibility for the brokenness,” he said. “I will forever carry the scars and the consequences of my sinful choices of my past, but every day now when I wake up, my prayer is, ‘God, give me the strength to live a life that brings glory and honor to you.’”
Watch the full interview with John James here. Visit his website to preorder “Newsboy: My Story of Hope and Second Chances” and receive a free copy of his new album “God of the Second Chance.”
