There is this sort of unsaid expectation we as Christians tend to put on our leaders. Whether they are our pastor, teacher, favorite speaker, or favorite christian worship band, they are not perfect and they need grace upon grace just as we do. Why is it that we often expect these people to be super human or without fault at all times? Do we really think that once you become a christian "Celebrity" or leader that you don't mess up anymore and that everything is perfect? I beg to differ.
We make mistakes on the regular and so do our leaders, all based on the simple fact that we are HUMAN. I get so frustrated when I hear people trash talking other leaders because of mistakes they have made. I mean, if your leader is doing something that goes against the Word of God, by all means stop sitting under their authority. But, to trash talk them like we are any better is silly. Plus, putting such a high expectation on them is only setting yourself up for disappointment and hurt.
Your leaders are only a glimpse of who Jesus is, but they are not Jesus. Yes, they are very anointed and we should put weight on the Word of God spoken through them, but they are not any more righteous than we are. Righteousness doesn't come from our works, but from the blood of Jesus that brought us to right standing with God and made us righteous. God doesn't wait until we are perfect to speak, teach, or heal people through us. He meets us where we are and makes his glory known even through our fragile state. This applies to everyone. Yes, even the most spiritual people you know make mistakes, but God uses them regardless. Just as we want grace extended to us when we miss the mark, we should extend grace to others, especially those in leadership.
I know it can be disappointing to hear that the anointed preacher who spoke at your favorite conference might have had a bad attitude back stage and said some things he regrets, but he is only human. No matter what it is that they did wrong, extend grace. Don't shut them out and don't judge everything they say from that one mistake. They are human. You are human. We are all human. Don't withhold your grace from your leaders and don't expect them to be perfect. The pressure is off! The weight is off! Let grace abound.
"Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32
"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." - Ephesians 4:7
