Your brother's keeper

Worrisomely, I have encountered these two categories of Christians lately. The first category is folks who are confused and discouraged in their walk with God because of the inconsistencies of the believers (or leaders) they look up to. The second category is those who are in error and ignorantly upholding falsehood because the person they look up to holds the belief.

In the Faith, believers do not live in isolation. We are a network of heavenly forces designed to showcase the newness of life in Christ and spread the fragrance in every place. Every believer must be watchful so as not to be a stumbling stone on the path of other believers. No matter who you are, someone somewhere watches you and patterns their lives after you because they admire your faith in God and see your life as worthy of emulation.

Seeing then that the fall of one may lead to the fall of many, be your brother's keeper;

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Corinthians 2:11)

Believers should take responsibility. As long as we remain in this body, the possibility of erring exists. Yes, we have not been redeemed to continue perpetually in sin. The redemptive work of Christ has put to death our sinful human nature. However, it is important to note that we have been saved, we are being saved and we will be saved. Our spirit has been regenerated, but our minds continually need to be renewed to bear the fruits of righteousness that has been imputed in our spirit. We keep becoming like Christ as we behold him each day (2 Cor 3.18). It is a lifelong adventure.

What should a believer do when he errs?

Take responsibility!

It is very expedient to admit one's errors, repent from them, and make peace where necessary. Avoiding talking about it or not caring about how it affects other people who are directly or indirectly involved or aware is a dangerous path.

First and foremost, make peace with God.

But then...

When you err in a manner that is obvious and known to others;

• Admit the error, do not normalize it - Be sincere about it. Some believers, especially leaders or parents, in the bid to appear faultless, declare their error as the new normal and tell the people the error is not a sin even when it contradicts the truth. Do not prioritize your reputation and the people's high perception of you, and thereby become the author of doctrinal errors that taint the kingdom truth.
  

• Show genuine repentance - it is a good way to help others especially those with weaker faith understand that a fall does not mean the end of the journey. The one who falls just needs to get up, clean up and keep going.
  

• Make amends - This strengthens the faith of others. If the error was public, the amendment should be public also. Give an apology to the fold where necessary. It is a sign of maturity and not of weakness. Growing believers (or your children) will benefit greatly from this and learn from the mistake instead of replicating the same error.
  

We are humans. Normalizing error just to keep being addressed as a superhuman who is without fault will do more harm to the body of believers than good.

I understand that there could be a fear about how gossipers and media would handle the situation. If it is a public error, they would spread it anyway regardless of whether it is amended or not. However, it would be to the kingdom's advantage that the amendment travels as far as the error travelled. It reveals that the erring one still believes and upholds the kingdom truth, has repented, and would want others to do the same.

The Church should lend a hand in restoring the erring brethren. Loving correction and restoration is very biblical (2 Corinthians 2:7-8,11). We are one-fold and Jesus is our good shepherd.

Lastly, believers should understand that Christ is our perfect example. Even as we follow men whom we believe are godly mentors, leaders, role models, ministers in word and songs, etc., we must only follow them as they follow Christ. Apostle Paul expressed his love to the church at Corinth and made them know that they could follow his example but only as long as they saw him following Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). That implied that if He, Paul, begins to preach or live a different life outside of faith in Jesus, the church should cease from following his example.

The only example we can always follow is that of the author and the finisher of our faith-the Lord Jesus. He is the perfect example the Father gave us who is devoid of human frailty and is the author of eternal salvation to all who believe.

… This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (Matthew 17:5)

Therefore, following spiritual leaders, ministers or believers, which is very good and important should be in such a way that our gaze never leaves Jesus.

… and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1b-2)

Shalom!