It’s a sucky life lesson to realize, but sometimes people do let you down. Sometimes it’s the people you’d least expect. The leader at your school, the pastor of your church, the athlete you look up to. Without even realizing it, we put halos around humans. We give people too much praise. We forget that everyone sins and that everyone is equally condemned before a just, sinless God.
Because of this, we put certain people on pedestals to an unrealistic level. I want to provide some Biblical advice and encouragement to anyone struggling with this type of disappointment:
Psalms 111:8-9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord, than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord, than to trust in princes.
Isaiah 31:1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy one of Israel, nor seek the Lord!
Jeremiah 17:5 Thus says the Lord, cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the Lord.
All of these verses clearly warn against putting our trust in humans above God. Although society no longer uses chariots and horses as vital parts of daily life, the principle in the verse is awesome. It is so easy to ask a friend for advice (Egypt) or to find security and solutions through money or material possessions. However, we should look to the Lord in these situations. He knows best. Even if you seek advice from Godly people, only God is sovereign and in control of everything.
However, I need to clarify. Everyone needs examples and people to admire. Don’t get me wrong; I have plenty of people I watch and try to model my life after. I admire John Piper’s walk with Christ, Russell Wilson’s resiliency, and Lecrae’s boldness in his music. This is a natural and good thing to do. It’s actually completely necessary and important. The issue occurs when we put the decisions and opinions of others above God. We say in our minds, “If only I could be like him, if only people would like me as much as her.” These thoughts are so easy to think, but so destructive at the same time.
Once someone we respect messes up, our soul is hurt and our emotions are a mixture of sadness, anger, and confusion. We often think, “I can’t believe he did that, I thought he was better than that.” Or, “How could he let me down like that.”The problem is that we make their actions personally offensive. We forget this amazing truth. Our goal in life is not be like Lecrae, John Piper, or Russell Wilson. Our goal is to be like Jesus. It’s so simple, yet so easily forgotten.
Believe me, I speak from experience, it hurts when people let you down. But it’s inevitable; it’s going to happen. It’s a fact of life. But it’s incredible to realize that Jesus will never let you down. It’s encouraging to realize that it’s impossible for Jesus to be anything less than you think He is. Put all your strength, all your hope, and all your life into Him.
