Scripture: Matthew 15 v 13 - 14: "But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
Psalms 23 v 1 - 3: "A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
When we choose to follow Jesus Christ through the trials and tribulations of this world, we learn to walk in His footprints to avoid the spiritual landmines the enemy has sown into the land. His footprints can only be seen in the light of His Word, so let us charge our batteries before they run flat, and we stumble in the dark.
There are far too many pastors and teachers who fail to enlighten their flock because they themselves are running on empty, and forget to seek Jesus for themselves before sharing His Word. The teaching comes out as flat, stale and tasteless, and they wonder why their congregation struggles with endless problems.
They start looking at programs and spiritual experiences to enliven their members. Like Peter, they sink beneath the waves because their faith is weak. Some will even become wolves in sheep's clothing to keep people coming to church and finances flowing. They are in grave danger of Jesus removing their candlestick.
Revelations 2 v 4 -5: "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."
It is very important that you are walking in truth so that you are not deceived into following these blind leaders for you will become just like them. The only way is to check what is preached with the teachings of the Bible. If you find errors you must ask the pastor to explain the meanings and share your viewpoint with Him. If he consistently fails to help you, you are in the wrong spiritual house.
One of the fruits of the Holy Spirit is meekness or humility. Those who have a humble spirit find it easy to forgive and repent of error. They are approachable, teachable, honest and gentle. If you encounter pride in a leader, you will find him aloof, harsh, critical, defensive and unrelenting. Hereby truth and error are revealed.
There is no point in submitting to pastors who are proud as it is a very destructive spirit that leaves you empty and fearful. Your purpose in belonging to any ministry is to grow in grace and help others to know Jesus. Ultimately, you will spend eternity in Heaven with all your loved ones around you.
In a false ministry the opposite happens. There is very little growth, and seemingly spiritual experiences are very carnal, or soulish. The spirit of the leader flows down into the flock, and if it is wrong, you will find yourself in bondage to a cult. From there it can be exceedingly difficult to break free.
As a Watchman or Intercessor, which is my calling, the Lord gives me this instruction: Ezekiel 33 v 6: "But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand."
So, if I do not warn people when God shows me they are walking in a dangerous path that could lead to death, then, if that happens, I will be found guilty by God of causing that death. It is a heavy responsibility which has caused some to utterly reject me and persecute me. I gladly suffer their scorn and censure, rather than what I would get from Jesus if I disobeyed Him!
So follow your leader but check his, or her, credentials to be sure they are leading you to the right destination. If you never hear the words sin, trials, Jesus, repentance or any warnings, then check more carefully. Just saying.
Jesus, and the early apostles, revealed many errors, rebukes and warnings to the church over the years, because they knew wolves would come. So heed their words and walk in those safe footprints in the way everlasting.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us for ignorantly following spiritually blind people into ditches full of ugly things. Cleanse us of every false doctrine and spirit from those who have lost their candlesticks. We choose to follow Jesus in righteousness and truth, and share this with the lost. In Jesus' name. Amen.
