Cornerstone Scripture:
And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
-Hebrews 5:3 KJV
The Message for Today (August 22, 2026):
“I have been struggling with sexual sin for years,” the pastor confessed. “I’ve spoken to the elders and deacons about my struggle. They’ve tried to keep me accountable, but I think it’s time for me to resign.”
I sat in the pews, stunned. This was a man whose teaching I admired. His ability to dig deep into Scripture was unparalleled. As a young adult, it was hurtful to realize that someone I respected had been secretly sinning.
Ravi Zacharias. Joshua Harris. Rob Bell. Mark Driscoll. These are names of Christian leaders who have fallen from grace for their actions or heretical beliefs. Whenever I hear a news story about another Christian leader who has failed, my heart aches as I recall my own experience.
A leader is under an enormous amount of pressure. Not only do they have to direct, organize, administer, and shepherd large groups of people, they also must be upstanding moral people. They should be loyal and caring to their families, manage their money well, and speak the truth with love.
How many of us can say we do all of those things perfectly, all the time? This is not an excuse for the behavior and beliefs of these controversial Christian leaders. It is only a reminder that being a leader is a great burden and should not be taken lightly. This is why the leaders had to offer a sacrifice for their own sin, not just the sins of others.
Priests during the time period of Hebrews underwent stringent requirements. In order to be a priest in the Old Testament, a man had to prove that he was a direct descendant from Aaron. If he could not, he could not serve as a priest (see Ezra and Nehemiah for evidence of this).
In addition to this, he had to be free of physical defect, could not attend funerals, and could not cut his hair. He had to marry a virgin and could not profane the name of the Lord (Leviticus 21). Even then, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place (1 Chronicles 6:49; Leviticus 24:9). The requirements to become a priest were very strict.
In the New Testament, the requirements to become a deacon or elder of the church are also strict. Deacons were to be respectful, sober, hold to the truth, faithful to his wife, and manage his children and household well (1 Timothy 3:8-13). Elders are traditionally held to the same standards as deacons.
However, if they are caught in sin, they are to be taken before the whole church and condemned (1 Timothy 5:20). Although such positions are held in honor (1 Timothy 5:17), Jesus warns what will happen to shepherds who lead their sheep astray will be worse than most punishments (Matthew 18:6).
What this means for us is that we should pray for our leaders. Whether it is the Pastor or Priest in charge of our whole church, or the Children’s Leader, the parishioners should be praying. Pray for these people to have integrity and to continue to fight the good fight.
Pray for these people to avoid temptation and speak the truth. Pray for them as they continue to care for people of all ages, dispositions, races, and problems. They need our prayer, support, and sometimes, our accountability. Help them to know they’re not alone.
If you are a leader reading this (even if you’re a “mere” Sunday School teacher), I pray you’ll take these standards to heart. I pray that you will turn away from evil and run away, like Joseph and Potiphar’s wife. But most of all, I pray you will continue to step up and help others. Jesus said the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37).
This passage refers to everyday believers, but it is also a reminder this world needs spiritual leaders who are willing to point back to their Savior. If you are a shepherd, and my prayer is that you are able to shepherd your people well. If you feel like giving up, perhaps it is an indication that you need a Sabbatical for a time, where God can refresh your soul like Elijah (1 Kings 19:1-9). Then, I hope you will find the spiritual refreshment to continue or to be redirected to where God wants you to go.
Closing Devotional Prayer:
Dear Lord, help me to serve you in whatever capacity you have given me. Give me the strength to resist temptation, the heart to continue to love, and the endurance to finish the race well. In Your Son's Name, Amen.