What do we do when the leaders’ lives don’t match what they claim?
The first challenge is that the majority of people would not address an issue in a leader’s life because they don’t want to be dishonoring to the individual. The second challenge is that people in a leader’s circle are either too close to see everything objectively, or they don’t want to lose their personal privileges. Sometimes it looks as if the system has a gridlock!
God holds His leaders accountable
The good news is that God is still on the throne and He has a plan. First and foremost the scripture tells us that leaders will give an account to the Lord for their leadership (See Hebrews 13:17).
The laws of sowing and reaping are always in operation
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:7-8
If a person sows in the flesh, over time he/she will see the fruit of the flesh. On the other hand, those who sow in the spirit will reap good fruit.
God is not pleased by those who offend the younger in faith
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Luke 17:1-2
The Lord entrusts His sheep with His leaders, and He expects them to treat the flock right and take care of them properly. A leader can never get away from being accountable to God!
In the natural, if we drive fast or run a traffic light, we may or may not get caught by a policeman. If we don’t see any sirens behind us, we’ll have a sigh of relief that we have gotten away with that trespass. In the spiritual realm it is actually the opposite. If there is a trespass, 9 out 10 times, we will not get punished right away, but it doesn’t mean that God ignored the issue. God gently brings people and situations into our lives to help us get it right and repent from our wicked ways. God gives us time to change. However, at some point, if we continue to mishandle our position or God’s people, the ax will come down, and it will surprise some!! No one can mess around with God’s business and think that they can get away with it!
Our part is to pray
In addition to trusting God and honoring the leaders, we need to pray hard!
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16b (NIV)
Praise God that prayer is our position of power. God hears the cries and prayers of a righteous person!
Our first prayer should be along the following line: “Lord if this is my preference or my issue, please reveal it to me and change my heart about it.”
The second prayer should be along the line of: “Lord, if this is your burden on my heart, I will continue to pray and ask you to change hearts, breakdown strongholds, and open eyes. Bring about the change and restoration in this person’s life and in the church atmosphere. Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
If this is really God’s burden for the body, there is much at stake. It is not just the leader’s life, but it is also all the other people who are watching, learning, and impacted by the person.
Lord, we need your provision of patience, wisdom, and grace today to handle these tough situations the right way! In Jesus’ mighty name we ask. Amen!