A couple of weeks ago, while out of the country on a ministry trip, I slipped on wet tiles stepping out of the shower. As I was going down, I had two instantaneous and simultaneous thoughts: “Old people are susceptible to falling,” and, “Try not to break anything when I hit the ground.” I hurt my back and either bruised or fractured some ribs while feeling not a little humiliated. It occurred to me later that the physical danger of older people falling is exceeded by the spiritual danger of older Christians falling into sin and away from the Lord. In fact, I started to write an article—“When the Elderly Fall”—as I reflected on the danger of not only physical but also spiritual falls of older Christians. But in recent days I have been reminded of the tragedy and trauma that occurs when elderly elders fall. The results can be devastating.
A well-known 73-year-old American married pastor has been exposed for having an inappropriate relationship with another woman. He has been rightly removed from the pastorate as well as from several parachurch ministries in which he prominently served. The devastating fallout has only just begun.
When I first saw the report on a social media feed, I said to Jill, “This must be fake news.” Tragically, it wasn’t. After confirming that the story was true, I said, “I thought after many years of ministry that I could no longer be shocked. I was wrong.” Though I had never followed this man’s ministry closely, I nevertheless knew he was well respected by Christians leaders whom I did follow, and I have read a couple of his many books. He preached sound doctrine and pastored a biblically healthy local church. I never had any reason to question his integrity. I assumed he was running the race faithfully and that he would finish well. And yet now he has disqualified himself from pastoral ministry.
But that is enough said about him, for the fall of this particular elder reminds me that we are never too old to blow it. It reminds me that Christians must always be vigilant. It reminds me that elders need to pay close attention to ourselves and to our teaching (1 Timothy 4:16). It reminds me of the damage to the church and, most importantly, the dishonour that is brought to the name of Jesus Christ when elders fall. These are important lessons for each of us who professes Christ as our Lord and Saviour.
When elders (as in pastors) fall, the faith of those they shepherded is jeopardised. Not only does the elder suffer, but so do those he shepherded, including, of course, his family. Family members are humiliated and, in many cases, their own faith in Christ is rattled. “If my husband was duplicitous, how can I trust again?” “How do I know if the gospel really transforms lives, making a difference between those who believe on Christ and those who don’t?” Children and grandchildren are tempted to scepticism and sometimes to outright rebellion against the truth of the gospel and the lordship of Jesus Christ. Congregations are shaken, including weaker members and newer Christians. The trust factor is devasted by the tsunami-like waves of doubt and suspicion. When elders fall, a lot of people might fall with them. Therefore, in addition to an elder’s first loyalty to faithfully walk with Christ, elders need to remember that others are looking to them (Hebrews 13:7). If they slip and fall on the dangerous terrain of a sinful world, they are not the only ones who will be injured. We who are elders need to be careful. We need to pay attention. We need to be aware. We need to be alert. We need the church’s prayers.
While here in Umhlanga on holiday, I have noticed that the shower is very similar to the one in which I slipped. But this one has handrails. You can be sure that I have been utilising them. I have paid attention to be sure that I step on the floor mat. Knowing the pain of a fall, I am paying close attention. Likewise, this recent fall of a fellow pastor has alerted me to the need to pay close attention to my walk with Jesus Christ. I am paying attention to the handrails God has provided in his word. I am paying more attention to the words of my mouth and to the meditation of my heart (Psalm 19:14). I am guarding, as never before, against the temptation to pride and professionalism, which so easily draws elders away from the pursuit of one thing: to know Jesus Christ, the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings (Philippians 3:10–14).
But let me address the elderly as well as elders. As we grow older, we must beware of the temptation to assume that our past walk with Christ will suffice to compensate our neglect of him now.
It is claimed that fifty percent of people who break a hip after 65 will die within a year of the accident. That stat helps me to pay attention. Likewise, the devastation to younger Christians when an older Christian falls should motivate each of us to grow old faithfully. We must pay attention to the next generation and therefore seek to pave a path worthy of imitation. If we finish well, perhaps the Lord will use us to stir those younger to also finish well. Therefore, let us grow in our fear of the Lord, let us grow in our appetite to know God, let us zealously serve him by sacrificially serving his church, and let us come alongside the next generation pointing them to the Saviour while savouring him more and more.
Doug