David Boiarsky

When the Anointed Fall—Why Spiritual Leaders Are Still Vulnerable Few things can shake a believer like discovering that a minister they respected has fallen into serious sin. Perhaps it is a pastor, evangelist, worship leader, teacher, or someone whose preaching helped change your life. Suddenly, questions begin to surface: How could someone who preached about holiness fall into sin? How could someone who prayed for others be secretly struggling themselves? How could someone who appeared so strong spiritually become so vulnerable? The answer begins with an uncomfortable truth: Ministers are still people. A calling does not make someone immune to temptation. Anointing does not eliminate the flesh. Spiritual gifts do not automatically produce spiritual maturity. A person can be greatly gifted by God and still make terrible choices. Jesus warned His disciples: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” — Matthew 26:41, KJV Notice that Jesus did not say the disciples had weak spirits. He said the flesh is weak. Every minister must remember that no matter how long they have served God, they remain capable of falling if they stop watching and praying. The Anointing Is Not a Substitute for Character One of the greatest dangers in ministry is confusing spiritual gifting with spiritual character. A person may preach powerfully, have a remarkable testimony, operate in spiritual gifts, write books, lead thousands, or build a successful ministry. But none of those things guarantee that the person's private life is healthy. God is concerned about what happens behind the pulpit, not just what happens on it. Samson had tremendous strength, but he lacked the character necessary to properly manage the gift God had given him. King Saul had authority, but pride and disobedience eventually destroyed his leadership. David was a man after God's own heart, yet he committed adultery and arranged the death of Uriah. These examples remind us that being used by God does not mean we have reached a place where we no longer need correction.