One of the greatest hurts sustained in the body of the Christ is that time when someone falls or fails. When one hurts in the body we all hurt. 1 Corinthians 12:26

For some it is that moment when a “Judas” appeared in their life. A trusted person or persons let them down. Judas had a failing or a fall. (I am not talking about a fall from grace for that is simply a return to the law and leaving the understanding of grace.) It is the time where someone walks away or acts in a way that brings pain. Other times it is the recognition of a problem that causes so much pain.

It is also the time from grace and love.

For me I think some of the largest growing seasons in my life have been in light of someone’s defection. The ability to turn something “bad” in to “good”.

The fall out from a failing is huge. In my own life many years ago a church leader and friend, left his marriage and walked away with another man’s wife. The results were devastating to many in the area church. The subsequent divorce triggered hurts, pain and mistrust entered into the picture.

I was hurt.

There is once again new talk about character and integrity in the church. Just this week I opened an article in multiple publications about the “moral failure” of a leader in a large church. What will be the church’s response?

I heard for many years that character was the ability to perform righteously even when “no one” was watching. Even as I was thinking of this topic I thought how many times did I fail while trying to do right? As I did a little research, I came across a number of web pages telling you how to better your character and integrity. I thought “ so many formulas for failure”. People could not even do the 10 commandments. (Would they have not been better off to say “I can’t do this”?)

Jesus knew!

As I look around I see the pain of hurt and the fall out of failure.

We are in a great season. But the failures have the potential to undermine the greatness. One of the largest “chances” for “failure” or character failings is found in a lot of the immature. (It is a not a chronological thing but an immaturity thing!) Keeping our eyes on Jesus is what manifests our change!

Spiritual gifting (1 Corinthians 14:1) is not a sign of character. Because someone can do something does not mean they are walking in character or integrity. We can not be deceived in this. BUT, at the same time when someone fails we can not just quit on them.

We are in a powerful season. The goal is to see mature sons of God come forth. But between here and there we may have to walk through some “not so fun” stuff. And we need to do it in love and grace. Love and grace! That is what will define us.

Today is your day!