Get in Line and Follow the Teacher

NO ONE knows everything!

Romans 12:6, NLT

"Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!"

We must be reminded that spiritual leaders are just that.  Their job is to lead us to Christ.  Yet, they cannot assign us an identity.  They cannot solve all our problems.  Believe it or not, they can't even answer all our questions.  That is NOT their job, and any leader who attempts to do so is out of order.

Christian leaders are merely a means to an end.  It is our job to point others to Christ as a source... never ourselves.  We make mistakes.  We have limits, and again... WE DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING!

Spiritual leaders are not meant to run your life or make decisions on your behalf.  They can pray for you.  They can teach you Scripture.  They can provide godly example and direction.  But please, LIVE YOUR LIFE!  Don't look to a leader to approve your every move or every word.  That's idolatry, and it doesn't please God.

Christian leaders are to be respected, but never feared.  They pose no threat to you if indeed they are called and sent of God.  Learn to discern their opinions from God's word.  There is a difference.  Don't confuse the two, as this is a dangerous error to make.

I will admit, I have a major pet peeve with people who must get permission from their leader for everything, especially business in their own home.  That's just NOT the spirit of God. YouR leader has no jurisdiction there!  Sure, they can pray and provide godly counsel when solicited, but they shouldn't control you and every aspect of your life, ESPECIALLY your marriage, your children, your finances, etc.

Please, let's keep things in proper perspective.  A good leader will teach you to be a disciple of CHRIST, not merely him or herself.  A good leader will make you dependent on God, not him or herself.  A good leader wants you to hear God's voice for yourself, not just through him or her.  A good leader wants you to grow and will not be intimidated by your anointing, even if it seems to "outshine" or overpower their own.  A good leader will nurture your gifts and encourage their use, not limit, control or use them for personal gain. A good leader will work WITH you, respecting your opinions and areas of expertise. A good leader will LEARN FROM YOU and BE ACCOUNTABLE TO YOU just as much (if not more) as you are to them.

In kindergarten, my class was always required to walk in a line.  Sometimes, I would stand behind Ruthie.  Sometimes, I'd stand behind Aaron.  Sometimes Steve or another student.  I followed them, but only as they followed the teacher.  When they stepped forward or moved to the right, so did I.  I followed my classmate, as long as they followed the teacher.  I followed my classmate, at times, when I couldn't see the teacher for myself.  Yet, even as a kindergarten student, I understood the goal was ultimately to FOLLOW THE TEACHER. Since I understood the goal, even when a classmate got out of line, I stayed on course, because I kept my focus and attention on the teacher.

Who are you really following?  If your leader gets out of line, will you follow them, or will you find the TEACHER?  Think about it!

ORDER IN THE CHURCH!

FALSE PROPHETS, Be Warned!

People of God, please be warned that many have become false prophets without even noticing it.  There is such a lack of respect for God’s word, and the Father is not pleased with this activity.

Each and every day, so-called “prophetic” words are simply thrown out by any and everyone.  People seem very quick to note “God said” or “the Lord told me to tell you”.  PLEASE, consider the source and consider the message.  Most importantly, be mindful of what YOU say in the name of the Lord.  This includes, of course, the many things we share over social media and networks.

We have literally reduced the precious, living Word of God to clichés and get rich quick schemes of deception and witchcraft. 

·         This is a word for somebody.  God is going to enlarge your territory today.  Claim it!

·         God said that those who forward this email will have an unexpected check in the mail within 24 h ours.

·         The Lord spoke to me in a dream and said “Increase!”

This is the type of foolishness we see and hear every day.  God is NOT a sorcerer.  He does not deal in potions, and contrary to popular opinion, He has not and never will use everyone as His mouthpiece.

Please, let’s be more careful about attributing our own hopes, imaginations and clichés to God.  This is VERY dangerous territory.  God hates a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:16-19) and will bring judgment to everyone who declares “God said” when He hasn't spoken or instructed them to speak on His behalf.

God is not haphazard concerning His word.  Be warned.  Be careful.  Selah.

Jeremiah 23:21-22,25-31, KJV

²¹ I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

²² But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

²⁵ I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

²⁶ How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

²⁷ Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.

²⁸ The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord.

²⁹ Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

³⁰ Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

³¹ Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

A Message for Leaders with Haters...