Why do you wonder?
Frequently, we hear criticisms toward ministerial leadership who fall prey to the temptations in their life. Whether it be pornography, homosexuality, pride, lying, or a many number of other potential pitfalls, the grace extended to struggling leaders is usually the same...very little, if any. While I understand that leadership is to be held more accountable, if we can't be seen as real people with real problems, then who do we go to find the accountability?
Recently the question was asked by a friend's friend, "Why do pastors sin?" (like we are super human or something). My answer is: why don't we sin more? I believe leaders are many times under more attack. The enemy's thought process is most likely something like, "If I can bring down the leader, then I've brought down the whole flock." I want people to understand that those in leadership roles are targets, serious targets. People in leadership need prayers and not judgement. We need to be seen on level ground not on a pedastal (that place is for Christ alone).
Fortunately, Rick and myself know we can always find the boundless mercy we need when we struggle from Jesus. Knowing that makes the desire to live pure lives stronger. Since we should all be more like Jesus, then we should all have more mercy for each other, including for leaders (even govermental ones). Remember this as you are developed into a leader yourself. Since we are called to make disciples, then we ALL will be leading SOMEONE. God have mercy!
Melissa
rick & melissa wood
2 Comments
Reader Comments (2)
I've watched over the years folks put their Pastor up on that pedestal, only to be like me deeply wounded when the pedestal could no longer hold the weight of the man; bend, then break, leaving the Pastor to slide (or was that a loud crash I heard) to the ground. Some come, pick them up, dust them off, and help put them back on the right track, but most point fingers and criticize. Where are the mercy, grace, & compassion of the Father then?
As a newbie Pastor's wife it hurt deeply when one woman said to me "But you should have known better, YOU ARE THE PASTOR's wife after all." WOW!! Yes I am the Pastor's wife, but first I am a child of God ~ like her. I am not perfect and I have yet to walk on water. I am forgiven, because He was forsaken.
I apologized for the offensive the woman felt & I gently tried to explain to her the reality that I am just another person. Like her, I am not perfect I am bound to fall, fail, and make mistakes. And like her, I am then forgiven when my mistakes are taken to the foot of the cross. Did she understand? I do not know. Only God knows each of our hearts.
I hope your message is heard by many, pondered deep in the hearts who read it, and perhaps see the Pastor, his wife, & his family in a different light. Through the eyes of Jesus perhaps, full of love, compassion, & forgiveness (when needed).
Love & miss you all!
PS Would be great to do dinner soon!
JOHNNY AND NESS!!!!!!
WAFFLE SONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!