People tend to put people on pedestals for a host of reasons and when we do find something about them that doesn’t align with our perceived notions, we end up being disappointed. The stigma of failure is even worse especially if it’s coming from a spiritual leader who appears to everyone as a gentle soul, yet behind the façade is everything but the man we all come to know. We could agree that there is always an element of betrayal when we find ourselves dealing with a spiritual chameleon.
My father was a politician. He was one who spoke what was on his mind. Some say that was his weakness (and this happens to be mine as well), but at least those who knew him already knew what to expect. He was loved by the people in his town even when he was far from being perfect. It is easier to deal with people who are who they are both in their private and public life.
So if everything looks too good to be true, you know the rest of the saying. We cannot avoid the perceptions of people. What can a person do to deal with this? Besides relying on the boldness that comes from the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, grow a thick skin. I know I can come off as arrogant to some and that’s quite okay. If you’re curious as to why, it’s not because I deem myself better than others or that I have glaring credentials attached to my name. I have none. The only thing I have is Jesus Christ.
In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
Psalm 25:1-3