Day 12 of the 21 Days: Leaders Sin Too
This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (NIV) ~Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Although Moses was faithful in the whole of his life, there were moments during his leadership of the Jews when he sinned against God. When we see spiritual leaders fall it is very difficult to grasp how they can because we expect more out of them. We look to them to inspire, encourage, and teach us in the ways of God. When they fall pray to sin, it is devastating for not only Christians but also for those who are outside looking in. It is an opportunity for the enemy to strike with negative thoughts. That's when you hear people saying how Christians are just hypocrites and other such nonsense.
In reality, leaders will falter. However, it is how they handle the aftermath and consequences that makes a difference. If a person is in constant prayer and communion with God, they should then acknowledge their sin and ask God for forgiveness and get back on the right path, dealing with whatever consequence may fall- no scandal, no shocking headlines, just simple honesty between the leader, God, and His followers. Now, sin has a way of clouding the mind. The leader may choose to cover up and continue to live in sin until God puts his/her business out there for the entire world to see (See Got Skeletons?). In this case, the consequences may be greater.
Following God is a choice we make on a daily basis. Leaders have to make the same choices as well. Keeping focus on God helps us to be more Christ like and therefore faithful in our choices. However, taking our focus off of him for even a second can lead to sin. We have to remember that it is a constant choice in everything we do and say. Most importantly when we falter, we must immediately take responsibility and ask for forgiveness.
Although Moses was faithful in the whole of his life, there were moments during his leadership of the Jews when he sinned against God. When we see spiritual leaders fall it is very difficult to grasp how they can because we expect more out of them. We look to them to inspire, encourage, and teach us in the ways of God. When they fall pray to sin, it is devastating for not only Christians but also for those who are outside looking in. It is an opportunity for the enemy to strike with negative thoughts. That's when you hear people saying how Christians are just hypocrites and other such nonsense.
In reality, leaders will falter. However, it is how they handle the aftermath and consequences that makes a difference. If a person is in constant prayer and communion with God, they should then acknowledge their sin and ask God for forgiveness and get back on the right path, dealing with whatever consequence may fall- no scandal, no shocking headlines, just simple honesty between the leader, God, and His followers. Now, sin has a way of clouding the mind. The leader may choose to cover up and continue to live in sin until God puts his/her business out there for the entire world to see (See Got Skeletons?). In this case, the consequences may be greater.
Following God is a choice we make on a daily basis. Leaders have to make the same choices as well. Keeping focus on God helps us to be more Christ like and therefore faithful in our choices. However, taking our focus off of him for even a second can lead to sin. We have to remember that it is a constant choice in everything we do and say. Most importantly when we falter, we must immediately take responsibility and ask for forgiveness.
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