In recent times there have been sensational news of prominent church leaders who have fallen due to moral failure. These have ranged from leaders with global ministries leading thousands of followers like Jerry Falwell of Liberty University, Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Church and John Ortberg of Menlo Mega church.
Uganda has not been spared. It came as a shock to many when the leading Church of Uganda early this year suspended the former Arc Bishop Stanley Ntagali following news reports of having an extra marital affair.
There are those who feel such punishments are severe. But leaders are part of an institutional set up and for the sake of preserving the institution, especially once such news get out in the public, some reprimand has to take place to retain confidence in the organisation they lead.
A lesson here is that institutions are bigger than individuals! Further, sin is no respecter of titles or positions. No one, however huge the name, is beyond fall.
Although it may strike many as odd it is actually not a rarity to find a leader who gets entangled in some morally compromising situation. Historically, there are more than ample cases. King David had a fling with Bathsheba, the wife of one of his junior officers whom he caused his death (2 Samuel 11). Abraham slept with his maid Hagar (Genesis 16: 3-4); it is said Solomon , the "wise man" who wrote the Book of proverbs, limited his sexual appetite to just "700 wives and 300 concubines" (1 Kings 11:3).
Now if one looks at how the world handles leaders who fall there is a stark difference. Often the world seeks to hush but once the matter is open then to banish the culprit, whatever the their record of service is. One thing you should know forgivennes is not a nature of the world!
For Christians, ours is a faith of repentance and restoration. Christianity is not a faith of condemnation! King David fell on his knees once his sin became obvious to him and poured out his heart to God, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin” ( Psalm 51:1-2). He was restored.
When a believer repents, unlike the world eager for a stick, God wraps His arms around and begins the work of restoration. Who are we not to forgive!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, in you we seek and find restoration wherever we go astray and what a comfort to know there is no condemnation for those who have repented and believe in Christ Jesus!
