SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY REQUIRES A HIGHER STANDARD

I realize in a new way tonight just how crucial it is for someone with spiritual authority to be above reproach. The reason is because my sinful compromise becomes the area of sin in the life of someone for whom I am responsible.

I see this played out in practical areas all over. The undisciplined coach passes on his flaws to his players, and they will never be able to consistently perform on a level above what their coach models or requires. In bootcamp, the soldier cannot be disciplined above what his instructor will train him. As a society, we cannot rise far above our leaders, which is why scrutiny before elections is so important.

I think that the principle is true in the spiritual realm, as well. Jesus said that a disciple when he is fully taught will become like his master, but cannot rise above him. (Luke 10:40). He said that if Satan is the father of lies, his children will be full of lies. The Bible says that the sins of the fathers are passed on to the third and fourth generation of his children. It is the duty of the husband or father is to stand before his family and deflect the flaming arrows of the evil one. James says that those who presume to be teachers will be held to a higher standard.

Personal applications: The day that our president was caught in lies and sexual sin, I underwent an unusually strong sexual temptation. I thought, "Where on earth did that come from?" Then I realized that I sort of felt vulnerable, like the umbrella of protection had been damaged, or like permission to sin had been granted from above me, and now I was extra prone to attack. A couple of nights ago, I myself indulged in a secret mental lapse of discipline, and my daughter, who knew nothing of my own sin, was nearly swallowed up in overwhelming temptation herself. Was that just a coincidence? Or in the spiritual realm, did I expose my daughter to danger by my own secret sin?

As a disciple of Jesus, I must be disciplined and strong in my life in order to save my soul from eternal damnation. As a father and a husband, I must be all the more diligent to also protect my wife and children, and to provide a practical example. As a pastor and a teacher, my requirement for vigilence is even more magnified. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God, for our God is a consuming fire. A builder's materials make a world of difference as to whether he builds with wood, hay or stubble. I must take care to choose gold and silver for my building materials.

"LORD, I thank You for saving me, healing me, and teaching me Your ways. I confess to You my inconsistencies and weaknesses, but mostly I confess to You my willful sins. God, make me pure, that I might be able to protect those for whom I am responsible. Teach me Your own standards; I don't want legalism and man-made rules. And help me to live by what You teach me, Father, Son and Spirit, One Eternal Godhead. Amen."
-ker