Fortunately, cases like this are very rare (which is why they make headlines). Even people who aren’t active in a church or profess belief in God assume that pastors and other Christian leaders should live lives of honesty and integrity. One of the Bible’s most overlooked truths is that sin blinds us to its consequences. Repeatedly, the Bible warns us that sin isn’t only wrong in God’s eyes, but that eventually it will destroy us. But how often is that truth overlooked — or even denied? Even when we know something is wrong, we think we’ll be the exception and can get by with it — but we won’t. Even if it looks like we have, some day we must face God and give an account to Him. The Bible warns, “You may be sure that your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

Don’t let the bad example of one person destroy your faith or make you cynical about His servants. Satan will do everything he can to destroy those seeking to serve Christ — and sadly, sometimes he succeeds. But Christ is stronger than Satan, and some day Christ’s victory will be complete.

But I urge you also to be on guard against temptations you face. The Bible warns, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Stay close to Christ every day, through prayer and fellowship and reading the Bible. The closer we are to Christ, the farther we are from the devil.