the danger of the pedestal

[BobHunt]

Years ago, our churches had "revival meetings." It was a week or two of time set aside, when an "evangelist" would come and bring a sermon each evening. It was one of these times when we invited an evangelist to hold a revival at our church. I was a young boy who was still making some important decesions about my life. The evangelist seemed to have a way with young people, and his sermons spoke to my heart as well as he and his wife's singing. It was at this time when I established a firm foundation, spiritually speaking. Naturally, this evangelist became a favorite of mine, in fact, in my mind he was quite a it better than any other evangelists in my opinion.
Still, today, we all do the same thing. How many times have I heard over the years, the words, "Oh, let me tell you about our wonderful pastor." I know there are so many well deserving pastors out there!
What happens, when a pastor or a minister like this falls? What happens when dirt comes out about an evangelist? Remember Jim Baker? Remember Jimmy Swaggart? Now, remember Haggert? What happens to people who had put them up on a pedestal, as though they were above accountability? Why, they were almost super human! They were the very mouthpiece of God, all the things they said, we took for gospel truth.
What happens to the world as they look on these events? Do you sense a sarcastic cynicism that creeps in, until you can hear them say, "why they arent any better than I am." or "theyre all like that, why should I go to church?" How do you bring back their faith in religion and church?
What happens to the pastor himself who falls? Will he ever again be effective in his message? Will anyone ever have confidence in him again? People may forgive, but will they ever forget? Do these pastors "go out of the business" and just sell insurance?
Seems to me it would be better to remember that all these pastors, evangelists are still human. Seems to me it would be good to remember that the reason why we think they are so good is because of the infusion of God's power with their willingness to be used of God and apart from this, they can not accomplish a thing. Seems to me if we remember things like these, the pedestal wont hit us on the head too, if they should fall from it.

[Dale Cozby]

"Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" - Paul

The key to using examples of men as that they are following Christ. when they quit doing that, we quit following them.

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Better than examples of role models from imperfect men, is the example of Christ himself. We should never look at men very long before comparing ourselves to Christ. The more we look at men , the more we will be disappointed.

I was raised by godly parents and I am thinkful for that. But even as good an example as there were, they are not to be my perfect example. Only Jesus Christ can fill that role. Lest we forget what the scriptures above remind to do.

It is a sad day when anyone falls from grace and especially troubling when that fall leads others to stray form the faith. But if we keep our eyes where they should be we will endure to the end.

What would have happened on D-Day if the soldiers who had thier officer fall in battle gave up? The victory is still there but we must be the ones who doesn't turn back when our comrades fall.

"He conquers, who endures"
Concerning fallen elders:
If they repent they can be restored too. They can be "grafted back in again"
But trust has to be earned.