Put your faith in Christ not Pastors

It seems every week I see another pastor or Church leader fall. And when they do, it crushes the morale of many Christians in their congregation or even folks that just tune in to hear them preach.

Quite frankly, I’m tired of it.

Of course, I’m tired of seeing faith leaders fall, but that’s not even what I’m talking about.

I’m tired of the cult of personality that builds these figures up so believers place their faith in men rather than faith in Christ.

Romans 3:23 says it clearly…

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

It’s not “all non-clergy members have sinned,” or “most have sinned.”

None of us are immune to sin, and we certainly don’t measure up to the immeasurable glory of God. The fact is mankind is going to disappoint you. because we’re all sinners. We all fall short.

There were good leaders in the Bible. Even they fell short.

The people followed Moses. He was called and used by God. But he also failed.

David was God’s chosen king. A man after God’s own heart. He failed too.

The apostle Paul didn’t even mess around. He didn’t give anyone the chance to put their trust in him. He just came out and said he was the chief of sinners.

The point is, if you put your faith in me, or in your pastor, or in worship leaders, or in anyone that is not Christ, you’re going to leave severely disappointed.

Because I’ve got news for you… I’m a sinner.

But by the Grace of God, he has washed me clean. That’s something I have to remind myself daily. If not for Him, I would not be me.

I could not be who I am today without God’s grace. He made me. He saved me. He sustains me.

God’s grace covers your failures, your sins, missteps, your lack of faith, your lack of hope and your unbelief.

That is something worthy of putting your trust in.

Mankind will fail you. You will fail yourself. That pastor, preacher, leader, author you just love… they will fail you too.

But guess what…….

God will not fail you.

This doesn’t mean you can’t admire, respect, or even follow the teaching of another Christian leader.

I’ve had many mentors and people who’ve inspired me over the years. Joshua looked up to Moses and learned from him. Timothy was like a spiritual son to Paul.

There is no place for scriptural leadership.

But we can’t take a person from the pulpit and put them up on a pedestal.

When you place your trust in the messenger and not the message, you’re bound to be disappointed.

What’s the solution? It’s really pretty simple.

Stop trusting in the weakness of man to deliver what God alone can give you.

When you see a Church leader stumble, pray for them. They aren’t perfect, but in Christ they are forgiven. So don’t judge, but don’t expect anything different from a human that’s flawed just like you.

Only one man has walked this earth and never sinned, never fallen – His name is Jesus.

He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He grants eternal life; no one else can.

That’s where you need to place 100% of your trust.

No pastor, leader, singer or celebrity is the be-all, end-all.

But God is! He is the Alpha and Omega. And that is worth putting your faith in.

By Graham Allen
To learn more about Graham Allen be sure to visit his website here.