Who is Jim McCotter?
Charming and Abusing
People over decades of encountering Jim McCotter have initially been swept in by his charm. His appearance of offering them something they “need.” For some, coming across as the strong mentor, “father” or “big brother” they lacked. He seems to have the persuasive gift to sell just about anything. Most of all, he has sold himself as a “caring friend or Christian brother,” a “wise man,” a “successful business man,” “quite knowledgeable about the Bible,” and a “trustworthy Christian leader.” He has charmed his way into many a person’s life, manipulating them to give their all (time, money, friends, family, career) for his success even though he’d convinced them it was for theirs. Quite often, he used God’s name and authority to steal from them what only God deserved -their entire allegiance.
But, people meeting him without knowledge or experience of his extreme and abusive control may think he’s harmless or even a nice guy because of his charm. Thus, they are confused and cannot make sense of the amount of evidence against him that demonstrates he is not considered trustworthy. What they see of him and hear from many others doesn’t match. It is often easier to dismiss such evidence because of the need that appears to be met by him. There is a strong deceptive or “captivating” bond that forms through lies that he speaks that I think come from Satan himself. The Apostle Paul calls it a “bewitching spell.” Scripture says the strange and destructive grip on us comes through doctrines of demons.
Max Lucado would understand the perception of someone being charming and “giving” and therefore trustworthy though he indeed is not. Even parents were deceived when they let their sons go away with their charming friend and be in his “care.” Max very sadly found out that this man’s charm seemed to only deceptively gain trust and be a cover his abusive behavior.
Pay attention to how Max describes the first impressions this man made on him and others in his personal story below (YouTube). Does the man claim his intentions are good? After you hear Max’s whole story how would you describe this “friend’s” character and perhaps his intentions? What did this “friend” tell those he abused about the truth of their experience? —They won’t believe you.
Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart;
there is no fear of God before his eyes.
For he flatters himself in his own eyes
that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
The words of his mouth are trouble and deceit;
he has ceased to act wisely and do good.
He plots trouble while on his bed;
he sets himself in a way that is not good;
he does not reject evil.
Psalm 36:1-4
