First, let me be as clear as possible about this man’s actions: What he did was very wrong, not only in the eyes of his community but in the eyes of God. Sexual abuse of any kind is a sin, and God’s warning is clear: “You may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

Not only has this man ruined his own life, but he has also done almost irreparable damage to his daughters. They will always remember the sexual abuse he inflicted on them, and will have great difficulty overcoming their fears and mistrust. I pray that they will find the encouragement and help they need, both from others and from God.

How could this happen? I don’t know the whole story, of course–but it happened because this man allowed himself to be controlled by his own sinful desires and impulses. In other words, he never turned away from things he knew were wrong, but allowed them to control him. Most of all, he never gave his life to Jesus Christ and submitted to His control.

The Bible warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). That is why we need Christ, for only He can take away the evil that lurks within our hearts and change us from within. Have you turned your life over to Him?