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Sep 05, 2025 06:00am

When Leaders Fall: What Every Christian Must Remember About Temptation

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Every summer, we kayak down the river and watch, time and again, people lose things they place too close to the bank. When it rains, a lot of water pours into this river, and it can rise quickly.

A few years ago, a house was built close to the bank. Did it have a beautiful view? Absolutely! But, as we floated by, we knew it would take only a few floods before that house wouldn’t stand.

Last year, as we passed by, we noticed how much of the bank the water had taken during the spring. The corner post was just too close to the edge.

Whenever someone suggested adding rock to the bank or reinforcement to hold it, the response was always the same:

“It will be fine. Those posts are solid. That river won’t take that much of the bank. It will stand.”

In early April of this year, it began to rain. Forecasters predicted record rainfall and major flooding. From our house on the hill, we watched the water rise, hour by hour. The force of the water was so intense, uprooting trees and sweeping away anything in its path, including the house on stilts.

One minute it stood; moments later, the river had eaten away more of the bank, and the back corner post crumbled.

1 Corinthians 10:12
“So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

In Paul’s letter to the believers at Corinth, he warned them that they too could fall into temptation. Just because they were saved didn’t mean they were exempt. In fact, they could be among the most vulnerable because they didn’t think they were in danger.

But they, like that house, were too close to the water’s edge. If they didn’t do anything to protect themselves, they would fall.

Is it any different today?

Recent reporting has alleged sexual assault and confirmed substance abuse involving Christian music artist Michael Tait, and he has publicly admitted to drug and alcohol abuse and to making unwanted advances. Even those closest to him were shocked. But he is not the only Christian figure to face moral failure. Let’s be real for a minute. It feels like every time you turn on the news or open social media, there’s another Christian in the news for scandalous behavior—sexual assault, affairs, drug abuse, embezzlement; you name it, it’s there.

Here is the truth.

All people are sinners. Just because you have been saved does not mean you will not be tempted.

The Scriptures tell us that we have an enemy and his goal is to destroy us.

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

And who do you think he would want to destroy the most?

Those with a voice. Those who have taken a stand for Christ. Those who are in the spotlight. Those who have a platform.

So, does that mean you shouldn’t share about Jesus? No! It means that you should know you have an enemy and that the temptations he brings are real. But God Himself is our refuge. He has provided all that we need in order to withstand. It is His Spirit who has freed us from the power of sin.

Isaiah 59:19 — “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.”

As followers of Christ, we all need to recognize that none of us are immune to the plague of sin. We should stay alert and be found humbled on our knees before the Lord.

“So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10

Let our minds be filled with Christ.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things . . . and the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:8–9

Pray for each other. Come alongside brothers and sisters in the faith and hold up one another.

“Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” — 1 Peter 5:9–10

Put on the whole armor of God every day.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” — Ephesians 6:10–12

To learn more about following Christ go to follow.lifeword.org.