Author: Dwight Clough

… in your anger, do not sin … — Ephesians 4:26A leader’s fall can stir up anger inside us, especially if we feel betrayed. And that anger may, at least in part, be righteous. But the Bible makes it very clear that we are not to hang on to that anger (Ephesians 4:26), and that we are to forgive (Matthew 6:14-15). How do we make the transition from anger to forgiveness?Here are the steps. Sometimes you can do this on your own. Often we need help with this.1. Focus on the anger. It won’t go away simply because you deny…

… in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. — 2 Corinthians 2:11Now consider what we covered yesterday within the context of the pastor’s world. Pastors have deeply buried lies implanted in them just like all the rest of us do. But unlike the rest of us, they have tremendous pressure placed on them to appear spiritual, whether they feel spiritual or not. So when their lies get triggered, they are under a great deal of pressure not to let that show. That’s fine with the enemy — in some ways, that’s…

… in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. — 2 Corinthians 2:11Christian leaders fall in all different ways. But one of the most common is for a pastor to have an affair with someone in his congregation. I’ve heard statistics that would probably alarm you of how very common that is. I don’t know if the numbers I’ve read are true, but if they are, they are cause for serious prayer on our part.The Bible tells us that we are not ignorant of Satan’s schemes. Let me explain to you the…

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2Leaders make mistakes; God doesn’t. Years ago I nearly lost my faith because I put too much stock in fallible leaders who disappointed me. Leaders are human, just like we are. Mentors are great, but don’t become a disciple of one, unless that One is Jesus. Some of what the fallen leader said in the past may ring hollow now. But…

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. — Galatians 6:1Any of us can fall. That’s why our position toward the fallen leader is always one of restoration, not one of finger pointing, judgment and blame. When a leader falls, it is an invitation for all of us to get real with ourselves and look honestly at our own issues. God is working his gospel deep inside our hearts. He doesn’t want us to have a superficial faith, but rather one that withstands…

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts … — Colossians 3:15I want to depart from my normal format for these devotionals and share some practical thoughts on the topic, "When a leader falls." When a Christian leader falls, give yourself time to process. There is a lot to work through. You won’t work through it in a day. There will be sadness and anger. But the fall may stir up all kinds of other feelings — betrayal, guilt, abandonment, fear, and so on. It may create temptations. Take the time you need to bring all of this to…

It is now public knowledge that the senior pastor of the church I attend has resigned due to moral failure. At last word, he is in a different part of the country attempting to reconcile with his wife and family. Our hearts are filled with sadness and dismay. Hundreds of lives are deeply impacted by these events, and I do ask you to join us in interceding for this man, his family and everyone touched by this situation. I also want to make clear that I wrote and began this series on the Laodicean church before I had any knowledge…

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth, and do not need a thing." But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to…

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth, and do not need a thing." But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to…

To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth, and do not need a thing." But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to…