Why Christians must stop defending God and their pastors

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Christians often feel the need to defend God, their pastors, and even themselves when facing criticism or controversy. They may step in with fierce arguments or passionate rebuttals, trying to protect God’s name or their pastor’s honor. But is this necessary? When we look closer, we find that God, pastors, and even believers themselves may not need the defense they often receive.

Stop defending God: He doesn’t need your defense

First, let’s talk about defending God. Many Christians feel they have to stand up for God when people doubt His power, question His existence, or mock His works. But remember, God is all-powerful and self-sufficient. He doesn’t need us to defend Him.

The Bible clearly shows that God can take care of Himself. In Exodus 14:14, we read, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” This verse was spoken to the Israelites when they were panicking, facing an impossible situation as they were pursued by the Egyptians. God didn’t need them to fight for Him; instead, He asked them to trust Him and remain calm. In that situation, God’s power spoke louder than any defense they could have given.

Another example is Job. After facing severe trials, Job’s friends came with arguments to defend God, but they were eventually rebuked by God Himself. In Job 42:7, God said, “I am angry with you and your two friends because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.” Sometimes, human defense can be misguided, and our efforts might misrepresent God’s nature.

It is not up to us to protect God’s honor. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.” God’s ways and plans are beyond human understanding, and His greatness does not depend on our arguments.

Stop defending your “Man of God” or God’s prophets, apostles, and pastors

Today, some Christians feel obligated to defend their pastors or spiritual leaders whenever they’re criticized. While it’s natural to feel protective, we need to remember that pastors and other leaders are just humans, subject to mistakes and weaknesses like anyone else. The Bible never calls on Christians to blindly defend human leaders. Instead, it warns us to test everything carefully.

In 1 John 4:1, it says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world”. Christians are encouraged to be discerning, even about those who preach the Word. Rather than defending them, we should hold them accountable to God’s standards.

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A well-known biblical example is King David. Even though David was “a man after God’s own heart,” he was still held accountable when he sinned by committing adultery with Bathsheba. Prophet Nathan confronted him directly (2 Samuel 12), not out of disrespect but because even great leaders are accountable to God. David did not need his followers to defend his actions; instead, he needed correction, which ultimately led to his repentance.

Defending pastors and spiritual leaders blindly can lead to unhealthy loyalty that hinders spiritual growth. In 1 Corinthians 3:4-7, Paul rebuked the Corinthians for aligning themselves too closely with certain leaders (Paul or Apollos), reminding them that God alone gives growth. Spiritual leaders serve a purpose, but they are not above correction or accountability.

Lastly, stop defending yourself

Christians may also feel the need to defend themselves against every criticism, insult, or negative opinion. But often, self-defense only serves to build pride and distract from trusting God. In Romans 12:19, it says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” This encourages Christians to allow God to handle their battles rather than trying to justify or defend themselves.

When Jesus was brought before Pilate, he didn’t argue or defend himself against accusations. In Matthew 27:12-14, we see that Jesus remained silent, even when accused falsely. His silence was not weakness; it showed his confidence in God’s plan. Jesus knew who He was, and He didn’t need to prove it to anyone.

In our own lives, trying to defend ourselves in every situation can be exhausting and often unnecessary. Sometimes, silence and patience speak louder than words. Proverbs 15:1 says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This reminds us that responding gently or staying silent can often resolve conflict better than arguing or defending ourselves.

What should we as Christians do instead?

Defending God, pastors, and ourselves often comes from a well-intentioned desire to protect. But faith sometimes calls us to lay down the need for defense and instead trust in God’s power, His ability to work in leaders’ lives, and His ability to take care of us personally. God doesn’t need us to defend Him, as His strength speaks for itself. Pastors, apostles, and spiritual leaders must answer to God and are accountable to His truth, not to our justifications. And in the end, we can let go of the burden of defending ourselves, knowing that our worth is secured in God.

As Christians, focusing on living in alignment with God’s word and allowing His light to shine through us will always be more effective than trying to argue or justify things.