Pastors who fall
Image via Wikipedia"It seems today that the church and its leaders are experiencing a genuine and increasing attack by Satan. Why is this? It might be due to stress or burnout in the lives of pastors, or it could just be carelessness. Whatever it is, it is sin and it must be addressed. What we have found most often is that moral or ethical failure can be partially categorized in three phrases.1. A lack of accountability and too much power.2. Unresolved conflict at home.3. Limited time spent along with God.
"Failure to address any one of these three challenges can lead to great sorrow and ministerial failure."
Our greatest defense is intimacy with God and right relationships at home, at church and with our colleagues. A busy pastor must get adequate rest and encourage honest accountability from one or more of his fellow pastors. Ministry should be meaningful and filled with joy and thanksgiving. For many, these suggestions go unheeded.
And certainly not least, every servant of God must have a vigilant spirit. The Apostle Paul writes, "Stand firm. Let nothing move you" (1 Cor. 15:58) and again, "Keep yourself pure" (1 Tim. 5:22).
The experience of failure in a leader's life, whether it is sexual, ethical, financial or of another type, not only affects the fallen leader, but their family and everyone in that person's sphere of influence. A very high price to pay for a moment or two of selfish gratification. Please do not be misled. Satan would like to make you another one of his victims.
"Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes" (Eph. 6:11). Be blessed and be a blessing.
