It is interesting to note that the man slain by a lion was still described as a “man of God”. For his disobedience to the instruction of the Lord, he died. However, that was not enough to delist him from the prophets of God. The world generally holds men of God to a higher standard. That is understandable. They are brand ambassadors of God’s kingdom. They are influencers. So they are to operate with the highest standard possible. This, however, does not make them angels. The book of Hebrews explains why spiritual leaders are not made of angelic stock. “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.” (Hebrews 5:1-2 NKJV). Angels will not tolerate man’s laxity, so God did not commission them to pastor people.
The world generally holds men of God to a higher standard. That is understandable. They are brand ambassadors of God’s kingdom. They are influencers. So they are to operate with the highest standard possible. This, however, does not make them angels.
The humanity of spiritual leaders is, therefore, a blessing to the people they lead. A few errors of judgments on their part should not be used to rubbish them and the noble works they have done. It is only when anyone slips into a pattern of sin that it becomes indefensible. In other words, when someone makes a practice of sin, it should be condemned. Followers should learn how to bear with their leaders just as the leaders bear with them. In addition, followers have the spiritual responsibility of upholding their leaders in prayer. Those who fail to pray for their leaders have no right to fault them when things go wrong.
