This is an interesting post, because he lumped several different categories together into one topic, when they should be dissected one by one, because each presents such varying circumstances:

“--Children turn on their natural parents, who loved them an did an above average job raising them”

This could be plain rebelliousness, in violation of the Fifth Commandment, but could also be the guarantee of Jesus that His Word would cause division even within a family (Matthew 10:35).

“--Staff members turn on their pastors…and yank half the donor base out from under the church in the process”

Yarrrrr!  Be ye referring to the post about, “Church Pirates,” ye scallywag?

“--Pastors turn on their congregations, committing unthinkable acts of immorality and deceit”

This topic can range from incidences in the news to exploring more of 1 Timothy and Titus to see why there are so many unqualified pastors in the pulpits (or behind the music stands) today.

“--Husbands turn on faithful wives of 24 years because the girl at the office made him feel young, funny, and relatively attractive.”

Again, there is so much area for discussion here, from fleeing from lustful desires, to men in the news, to a discussion about how men and women should work together.

Yes, people will turn on you, but this is a real broad-brush discussion here.

--
CS

The post isn’t directed to those who have turned, or might turn.  It acknowledges that there is sin in the world, and is about how the sins of others impacts us spiritually.

It’s downright discouraging at times to see how Christians act.  I’m a half century old, have been in church since I was a week old, and I believe I have a mature view of human nature.  But it never ceases to amaze me to observe how often Christians self-justify the most heinous sin that even unbelievers recognize as wrong.  It’s good to be reminded of the dangers of allowing bitterness and mistrust to take root.  It’s a struggle every day for some of us, especially who have worked for years in various churches and ministries and been privy to the extent of it.

how do you respond when you have a ‘turner’ on your hands?

First of all, I have to realize that “a turner” is not necessarily turning from me. Sure, I may be the person it appears they are turning from… but more than likely - it is spiritual.

Good example of this was during the years I was ill. One person in particular totally walked away from me. We had been tight in walking through life’s moments together which included serving God. It stung like a butterfly and stinged like a bee. Years later, and after I was completely healed - she came back and apologized.  Her real issues were not with me. She was having a crisis of faith.

Facing a turner lately.... and while the details I will not go into… I can say - I know that God is using this in a mighty way. It will be for His glory alone even in the tears that are shed a long the way.

I have found in over 25 years of ministry that most turners are deeply wounded.  That has helped a bit to know that those who hurt are usually the most hurting.

Not that it makes it less painful!

I’ve also learned to not let the person or issue get me hooked.  It’s easy to get sucked into having to defend yourself.

So, finding the heart of the issue and sticking with it without getting sucked into the stuff around it, is always the best road in the long run.

The difficult part for me, is if the turner attacks my children.  Then watch out for Mama Bear!

My wife has turned me on...oops.  Oh.  Turned on me.  Well, never mind.