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When Christian Leaders Fail Me
- Alice N
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
…he always lives to intercede….
I honor the Christian leaders God placed in my life to equip my growing faith. Each one occupies a place of respect in my memory as well as in my heart.
Disappointment and confusion engulf me, though, when leaders fail in their responsibilities. Sadly, I frequently hear stories of spiritual leaders who do not support those seeking guidance for abusive, narcissistic spouses.
The author of Hebrews explains the root cause of these failings—human weaknesses. In fact, in acknowledging the humanness of priests, Levitical laws required priests to offer sacrifices for their weakness and sins.
Fortunately, Jesus Christ created a better hope, a better priesthood. Jesus, who is holy, blameless, and pure, always lives to make intercession for us:
“So now we have a high priest who perfectly fits our needs: completely holy, uncompromised by sin, with authority extending as high as God’s presence in heaven itself. Unlike the other high priests, he doesn’t have to offer sacrifices for his own sins every day before he can get around to us and our sins. He’s done it once and for all: offered up himself as the sacrifice. The law appoints as high priests men who are never able to get the job done right. But the intervening command of God, which came later, appoints the Son, who is absolutely eternally perfect (Hebrews 7:26-28 MSG).
Acknowledging the human limitations of spiritual leaders helps me to forgive. It also challenges me to determine if these same leaders are willing to learn about the unique distinctions of a marriage with a narcissistic partner.
Father, soften my heart to accept the humanity of spiritual leaders and to forgive when they fail to offer the guidance I seek. Guide me to those who understand the toxicity of narcissism and are willing to provide support as I find my way. Thank you for providing Jesus Christ as my sinless high priest who always lives to intercede for me. It is in His name I pray, amen.
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