When men and women do the work of God, astonishing things take place. Souls are saved, emotional and physical wounds are healed, people are set free from addictions and the list could go on. But it can be disappointing when these very same people who are doing such wonderful things, are caught acting immorally or are exposed as frauds.
When such things happen some Christians though left saddened and concerned for those who have been hurt, still continue to trust in God. But some do not. Some believers are left downright disheartened. They begin questioning not only their view of church leaders but their view of and faith in, God.
Is that you? Have you been left feeling betrayed and confused by the actions of prominent Christian leaders? Are you questioning not only the integrity of women and men of God but the integrity of God? Well, know this. You can continue to believe and trust in God, despite man’s failure. How, you ask? By making sure your focus is on God and not on men of God.
Is Your Focus on God or Men of God?
In order not to be disappointed when men of God behave in a way that is contrary to the Christian faith you must make sure your focus is always on God. For God is the One who works through people to do mighty things. It is God who heals and delivers. (Psalm 30:2; Psalm 34:19) He is the one who provides for us (Philippians 4:19), strengthens us (Isaiah 40:31) and it is because of Him that we even live. (Acts 17:28)
Don’t focus on church leaders because at the end of the day, they are here to bring glory to God. They are here to preach salvation and turn hearts to Christ. And sadly, they can still do all this and then turn around and abuse, cheat and lie to people. But what you must not forget is that, whilst their actions should not be brushed off or taken lightly, they are humans who can fall short.
However, God does not fall short. So it is Him you should focus on. Listen to what He is saying to you. Look at what He is doing in your life, remembering that it is Him you rest your faith in, not man.
We Were Never Meant to Put Our Faith in Man
It is so vital to remember that God never tells us to put our faith in man. In fact, He constantly reminds us to do the opposite. In Psalm 146:3 it says:
“Do not put your trust in princes nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help.” (NKJV)
whilst Jeremiah 17:5 says:
“Cursed is the man who trusts in man” (NKJV)
And then Psalm 118:8 says:
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.” (NKJV)
God has made it clear that our faith should not rest in man, not in pastors or preachers or any faith leaders. These people are meant to be are our teachers. They are people who are meant to guide us to Christ, not to become our Christ. It is God you must and can have faith in.
You must not forget that the God you serve is unlike man. He is good and faithful and that truth cannot be changed no matter what men of God do.
God Will Always Be Faithful, Even When We Are Not
This is a faithful saying…
If we are faithless,
He remains faithful
He cannot deny Himself
2 Timothy 2:13 (NKJV)
Do you understand what this verse is saying? God’s character is not determined by our flawed behaviour or actions. If we humans are faithless God will still be faithful. Or if we lie, God will not. If we cheat other people, God will not cheat us or them. The same goes for women and men of God.
When they are dishonest, God is still honest. When they hurt others, God will not. God remains kind, merciful, and slow to anger; loving, just and faithful even when we are not. (Psalm 145:8; Lamentations 3:23) Even when men of God are not.
If you keep focusing on Him you will realise this. You will also realise that He is a trustworthy God. And He is the only One worthy to be served, loved and worshiped.
Worship God
In the book of Revelation, an angel shows the Apostle John a glorious vision of what is to come. (Revelation 21 – 22: 6) Overcome by what he has seen, John falls at the feet of the angel and worships. Look at how the angel responded to his actions:
Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.” (Revelation 22:9 (NKJV)) (Emphasis mine)
Perhaps, unknowingly, this has been your reaction when it comes to women and men of God. Maybe you have been so impressed and amazed by what they do that subconsciously you have begun to worship them rather than God. But they are not God. They are your fellow servants and humans.
The only one you should worship is God, not pastors, preachers or women and men of God. It is God alone you must focus on, hope in, trust in, and have faith in. So much so that when men of God fail, you can remain confident and steadfast in your faith, knowing that God never will.
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