In one of his books, Stu Weber states:
- He is sure of the truths He understands in the Bible.
- He is sure of the lessons God has taught him through failure.
I remember the day I read that statement. I remember underlining it, journaling it, meditating on it, and remarking, “That is so true!”
My next thought was a sad one: Most churches are places where failures are shamed, spun, and hidden.
What a tragedy to the next generation!
In trying to impress the white sepulchered religious bullies, we’re withholding the critical insights that would protect those who are watching.
It’s time those of us who view ourselves as mature Christians prove it by telling the truth about ourselves, including, or maybe especially, our failures.
If you don’t think that’s wise or biblical, read the stories of the heroes of the Bible. Then ask yourself, “What did I learn from their life?” I bet you that some of the most critical insights were from the honest and open account of their failures and weaknesses. And how the Lord redeemed it all to actually use them anyway.
Question: How do you feel about leaders who admit their failures?
Good Insight people have trouble relating to perfection!
The only One worthy of that title, “perfection,” is seated at the right hand of the Father. Thanks for the comment, Harry.
Hello Ed,
Thank you for encouraging the transparent authenticity reflected by The Sad Truth About Failure. The Discipleship Minutes continue to speak grace into my own heart, for which I’m most grateful. I look forward to each one of these because I continue to hear grace, grace, grace —- and frankly, I am drinking it in. Thank you so much for the investment of your life/time in these truth-wrapped grace nuggets called Discipleship Minute.
You’re sure welcome, Dwain. Without grace, we’re all sunk–me the deepest.