It is no secret that pastors and ministers are held to high standards. After all, God has appointed us to oversee and shepherd His flock, so it seems completely appropriate that we are expected to live virtuous lives, making decisions that honor Jesus Christ and being positive examples of His grace and love for others. So what happens when we fail? If you are anything like me, your heart has been completely broken over the past few months by the seemingly endless news stories of moral failures on the part of pastors and staff ministers. From youth ministers having inappropriate relationships with their own underage students to senior pastors resigning their positions over extramarital conduct, the stories have been rampant—too rampant—and all too painful. Unfortunately, these stories are not new. Throughout the course of our daily lives, we hear stories of moral failings and inappropriate conduct, and we likely shrug them off and go about our daily business. But when it is a minister, one of God’s chosen, we tend to sit up and really take notice. Why?
Because they ARE God’s chosen. They are the ones that God has chosen to carry out a special calling, and because they have been specially called by God, the temptation sometimes exists to put these men on pedestals, forgetting that they are men that are filled with temptations, desires, and unfortunately, sin—just like all of the “regular people”. That certainly does not excuse their sin, nor am I attempting to provide any kind of justification for it. I am simply saying that while yes, I agree that pastors and ministers should indeed be held to a higher standard, let’s not make the mistake of idolizing them. While wonderful men, they are still men, and eventually these men, myself included, will inevitably let you down and disappoint you.
While it is important to not put these men on pedestals, it is equally important that we as ministers, and even all Christians for that matter, stay grounded. Let’s stay humble and never forget who it is that we really serve. This is often easier said than done, particularly when you are in positions of authority. The story of David from 2 Samuel 11-12 comes to mind as a good example of someone who forgot whom he truly served, resulting in dire consequences for both himself and his family. David seemingly had it all, didn’t he? He went from being a lowly shepherd boy to the boy hero and then to the boy king. He was revered and adored by practically everyone. Scripture even referred to him as “a man after God’s own heart”. But alas, David lost his humility. He bought into the hype that EVERYTHING WAS MORE ABOUT HIM AND LESS ABOUT GOD. He forgot the fact that any authority he had was only authority that had been given to him from God Himself. Once he forgot who he really was and whom he really served, he fell into sin, first by having an adulterous affair, then by murdering his mistress’ husband. David went so far off-course that when the Lord sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke David, David became enraged at the person who did these things, failing to realize that he himself was that person. How blind David had become! How quickly pride brings a downfall.
Friends, I have come to realize that sin is an equal opportunity offender. It knows no bounds. If we don’t guard our hearts and submit every aspect of our lives to King Jesus, even the small parts, then we are setting ourselves up for a fall. And yes, the small things matter to God because it is often the small things that end up becoming the big things.
So join me in praying for all of those that have been so hurt in these recent situations. Remember that there is no victimless sin. Our sin affects others. Pray for God’s comfort and peace upon those who have been hurt by the actions of others, and also pray for those who have done the hurting. Pray on their behalf for reconciliation with God and with their families and friends. Most importantly, let us prepare ourselves now in order to avoid similar situations. If we really want to be men and women after God’s own heart, let us guard our own. Keep your feet-and your knees for that matter-on the ground.
Until Next Week,
Pastor JP
