King Saul usurped the priest’s authority; King David’s lust brought him to his knees; Solomon gave life the aesthetic test and forsook the direction of God; Peter fell on his face at the late-night warming fire; Paul could not at first find grace and forgiveness in his heart—yes, to fail is human.
When leaders fail, the kingdom is hurt, people are lost and suffering is inflicted on God’s people. Paul warns the Ephesian elders to guard against “savage wolves… even from your own number men will distort the truth.” Paul experienced and felt the pain of leaders that fail. He and God gave the antidote:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies a living sacrifice… Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1, 2).