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Leviticus 21:1-4, The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them: ‘A priest must not make himself ceremonially unclean for any of his people who die, except for a close relative, such as his mother or father, his son or daughter, his brother,  or an unmarried sister who is dependent on him since she has no husband—for her he may make himself unclean. He must not make himself unclean for people related to him by marriage, and so defile himself.

This chapter discusses the rules for priests.  As the people's representatives before God, they were held to some pretty hefty standards regarding holiness.  The high priest, as the one person who walked into the holiest of holies (where the presence of God dwelt) one day a year, had even stricter lifestyle guidelines to which to adhere.  While I am sure it was an honor to be a priest, it was also a heavy responsibility. 

Christian leaders are also held to a higher standard than the average churchgoer.  There is something special but also a bit fearful when we lead others in the faith.  In our context, a leader's character is critical.  Paul details the requirements to be an elder in the early church; it meant being a person with high integrity. Church leaders are supposed to be good examples to the flock they guide.  Check out I Peter 5:2-3. Too often, we have seen public Christian leaders fall from grace, damaging the lives of all those involved in their scandals and damaging the Kingdom at the same time.

Your leaders need your prayers.  It can be a stressful and heavy load.  Pray that they can walk close to God even when (especially when) things are tough. 

Let's pray...God, we pray for our Christian leaders and pastors.  Help those who lead be focused on living a life characterized by holiness so that they can be good ambassadors for Jesus. When their own lives get messy (and we know they will), stay close to them, Lord, and help them have laser focus on their call rather than the things of this world.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.