Leadership

We All Fall Short But There is a Purpose

by Darna Bedwell Gutter
06/15/25
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Make no mistake, there is a difference between falling short and falling!  Falling short is a teacher that leads to the road of redemption if we are penetent and own up to our mistakes and errors.  Falling short is a part of the human condition that issues a warning to check ourselves and turn around. Whereas falling is a picture of those who have ignored the lessons falling short are meant to teach us. 

Unfortunately we have seen that even those considered to be above reproach, like church leaders, are not just falling short, but falling!  Leaders have either been left unchecked or simply unwilling to heed to warnings.  It would be even sadder to think that no warnings were issued.  And even worse when there is no discernment to recognize the need for a warning.  We put ourselves at risk when pastors' questionable behavior is not questioned.  In these cases the focus on God's standard has somehow shifted from God to accommodate leadership's bad behavior. 

These public scandals are not examples of "falling short".  They have gone far beyond into the realm of heresy. These leaders were trying to normalize their heresy in the church.  Defiling themselves and diluting the faith of others.  

But falling short is a different matter.  It is a part of the human condition and usually has a purpose.  It is a part of our growth process.  But most of all it is a warning, when ignored can lead to the kind of leadership fallouts we have been seeing these past few years.  Falling short usually means there is a lesson to be learned.  The experience of falling short is a teacher on how we might avoid it in the future, in any particular area.  But unfortunately "sometimes" if we never fall short, we never learn.  Most Christians  fall short in small ways.  But when left unchecked, can escalate into a moutain of reproach.  

Falling short is not meant to defeat us, but to strengthen us.  So that we might in turn strengthen others.  Because we all fall short.  It is a part of the human condition.  But one that has purpose.  It doesn't make us evil as long as we are willing to own up.  We must recognize, repent and learn the lessons behind it. 

So don't mistake "falling short" with what we are seeing in these scandalous fallouts!  Those who refuse to examine themselves or learn the lessons behind falling short are ultimately exposed.  There is redemption in falling short as long as we are willing to learn the lessons behind it.  Not trying to shift the blame, but it could stem from the company you are keeping.  It may even entail chastisement which is for our good.  

But when the learning process is complete, we are redeemed and become champions of strength, endurance and growth; and able to help others grow.  

"Bad company corrupts good character".  KJV  

"He who walketh with wise men shall be wise.  But a companion of fools shall be destroyed".  Proverbs 13:20  KJV  

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth ...  Hebrews 12:6  KJV  

"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver;  I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction".  Isaiah 48:10  KJV  

"Comforting others whereby we have been comforted".  KJV 

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:  but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy".  Proverbs 28:13  KJV 

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