Cross ‘Sacred lines’ with Prudence
Church leaders are instituted by God. Respect them. Scripture says they are “worthy of double honor,” (1Tim 5:17). Watch! Disrespect can be so subtle!
When leaders make mistakes, use a prudent approach to correct what went wrong. What offends us in private is better brought to the leader in private first. Why? Credibility is what stays a leader’s course. Ed Cole once said, “What we value publicly gains value. What we devalue publicly loses value.” Besides, our offence may not be shared by others. A misunderstanding may be voiced as a fact. When we carelessly make it public, we inadvertently create an environment of mistrust. Damage done may never be repaired. Even if it is something God has revealed about the leader, still wisdom is required because truth spoken in a wrong environment can be harmful yet the intent of God is to redeem rather than disgrace the person.
Unlike in our social media age that freely forwards all rumors as facts, the ancients used a level-headed approach. Remember how Nathan approached King David after he committed adultery and murder? (2Sam: 12:1ff)
Rather than building bridges, a careless approach can reinforce walls. Consequently, we may be perceived as individuals who cause discord when that may not be our motive. When we trumpet their flaws, we publicly disgrace them and show two other things: how mentally or spirituality accomplished we are and how flawed the leader is! Their light becomes dimer, but what about our light?
Sometimes our leaders’ wince in emotional and psychological shame but they choose to smile and continue serving. This is partly why God’s word discourages any public accusation of an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. (1Tim 5:19)
Even the Holy Spirit deals with each of us privately first before he comes out public. Jesus also instructed us to handle matters between two before they become public (Mt18:15-18). Discretion on our part is critical.
Let’s purpose in our hearts to maintain a respectful distance with people in authority. Even when we serve with a leader on a team, let’s learn to draw that ‘‘sacred line’ of honor and cross it with wisdom and prudence.
