Leaders Who Hide Sin

There are few things as sickening as a person who molests and sexually abuses others, especially children.  Names that likely come to mind of those who have done such things are Jerry Sandusky (45 victims) and Jimmy Savile (589 alleged victims).  More recently there have been additional allegations against the Catholic Church and even more priests who have been found guilty of sexual abuse.  While these types of people are exceedingly disturbing all by themselves, something that makes these situations beyond detestable are the people in leadership positions who knew about them and still let these vile acts continue.

With Sandusky, it was the leadership of Penn State who turned a blind eye.  With Savile, there is no telling how many people looked the other way to allow nearly 600 people to be sexually abused.  Most recently, the leaders of the Catholic Church in California were found to have “maneuvered behind the scenes to shield molester priests, provide damage control for the church and keep parishioners in the dark, according to church personnel files” (NBCnews.com).

Just like everything else in the world, there are good and bad leaders.  In general, leaders are supposed to stand above the rest as good examples.  They are supposed to be people who are trustworthy, hard working, and inspire others to success.  It is so discouraging to hear of leaders who are willing to hide others’ sins.

More than ever before, we need leaders in the church and in the world who are moral and spiritual.  We need leaders who meet the expectations given in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1-2 of church leaders.  We need leaders who hate evil and cling to what is good (Romans 12:9).  We need leaders who are good examples of faith, purity, speech, integrity, self-control, responsibility, and love.  We need leaders who will stand for the truth and expose evil.

So, what can we do about all of this?  Here are a few suggestions.  (1) Don’t follow leaders who hide others’ sins or their own.  Leaders become obsolete without followers.  (2) Support and encourage leaders who stand up for what is right and meet the qualities listed above.  We don’t edify good leaders nearly enough.  (3) Stand up for what is right; be a leader through your own good example. (4) Most importantly of all, let’s pray that God provides us with godly leaders, and pray especially for the ones who already are!