May 12, 2022
What to consider when a leader falls
February 14, 2019 | Tyson Herald
Unfortunately, there aren't too many months that go by in a year where we don't hear that a Christian leader fails in some way. Here are a few things to consider and a reminder that ultimately our leader is Jesus.
1. We are all one bad decision away from ending up where they are.
(1 Cor 10:12-13, James 1:13-15)
2. We should pray for and extend forgiveness to them.
-Their sin is no worse than my own (the consequences of their sin might be worse though) (Rom. 3:23, 1 John 1:9)
3. Extend grace to those who fall.
-The Bible says that love covers sins and offenses (Proverbs 10:12; Proverbs 17:9; 1 Peter 4:8). Love and grace will encourage you to keep quiet instead of speculating about the circumstances and gossiping about the fallen brother or sister. Imagine yourself in the situation and think about the leader as you would want others considering you in the same position. You will prevent the devil from wreaking further havoc as a result of the sin, if you simply keep quiet and cover that person with love and grace. (Proverbs 10:19)
4. A leader’s sin is not a license for our sin.
-Our Leader is Jesus. He didn’t sin. He should be our example. A leader’s sin does not negate what they taught as long as it was based upon the Word of God.
(1 Peter 2:22, 1 John 3:5, James 4:17)
5. Having sin exposed is the best thing that can happen for a leader.
-Look at how many godly leaders in the Bible had sin exposed and God eventually restored them. (Rom 8:28)
Here's a few other thoughts to think through...
How can we show love to people when they fall?
How can we show love to those who their sin impacts?
What areas of my life have sin? Sin not only hurts God and the name of Christ but possibly others. (i.e. Achan in Joshua 7)
How can we keep each other accountable as a family?
Does my life match up with the life God calls us to in the Bible?