It was late. We were extremely tired and drifting off to sleep. We have teenage daughters so everything was perfect for starting a deep conversation . . . knock, knock, knock.
But, this time was different.
“Can I come in?”
The pleading urgency in her voice roused us instantly. Something was seriously wrong. “Sure, honey, come in.”
“Did you hear the news? I just saw in my news feed that (……………) is resigning from leading his ministry. He had an affair. Can you believe that? He has lots of kids, speaks all over the country at homeschool conventions about marriage and family and he had an affair! It’s just . . .”
Her voice trailed off but a blank expression and her bewilderment hung in the air like clouds. She was discouraged. And, why wouldn’t she be? Less than a week prior to this came the news that that a prominent Christian money manager had been arrested for soliciting a prostitute.
We are not involved with the movement lead by the homeschool speaker and don’t know, personally, either man but, here we were, discussing them at 11:30pm with a daughter who hopes to marry a faithful man one day.
What should we say to our young people (and to ourselves!) when Christian leaders fall?
1) God’s standard is holiness – for you, for me, and for all who call themselves a Christian. 1 Peter 1:15 . . . be holy in all aspects of your life.
2) You can walk in holiness. Galatians 5:16 says Walk in the Spirit and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. Sin is a choice and while common, is by no means inevitable. While your flesh desires sin in many forms, Jesus has overcome, has defeated sin, and you have His life in you, Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me.
3) Keep a humble spirit. 1 Corinthians 10:12 . . . he that thinks he stands, take heed, lest he fall. James 4:6 God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. You and I can choose to fall just as far and just as fast as these other men did. Maybe we’re not drawn to the exact same sin – but mankind hasn’t done, thought of doing, or is capable of doing anything…that you and I haven’t done, thought of, or are capable of. It wasn’t the Pharisee who thanked God he wasn’t like other men who God approved. It was the guy pleading for God’s mercy. You need God’s mercy and I need God’s mercy – every bit as much as a fallen Christian leader.
4) Abide in (remain in fellowship and communion with) Jesus. John 5:15 . . . He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can’t do anything.
5) Pray for restoration for those who fall. When a brother or sister fall, God’s desire is that they be restored to fellowship. If our hearts are after God, we don’t get disgusted and cynical when this happens (revealing a prideful spirit), we pray for God’s mercy and that they be restored to Him and to their families. Galatians 6:1 . . . if a man is overtaken in sin . . . restore him in the spirit of gentleness . . . considering yourselves, so that you, too, are not tempted.
In the quietness of our bedroom, we told our daughter that there is only one place to keep our eyes: Jesus. When men or women are elevated and people begin to follow them, discouragement is inevitable. Christians are to keep their eyes on Jesus where we find an unwavering example of how we are all called to live. Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
FAITHFUL MAN® 