The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. Ps 34:18–19 NASB95
There is no life free of troubles. If you follow Jesus, God will protect you from many troubles, but there are other troubles that can come because you obey God and go against the values of the world.
I suffered a lot of stress as a child, and before I became a Christian.
This made me vulnerable to serious problems even after I became a Christian. They even got worse, and that was not because of persecution from unbelievers. Rather, it was because of legalistic, manipulative and controlling leadership in the churches I joined.
I know this experience is not unusual, although I wish it was not so.
Jesus warned his disciples that they should not be like the Pharisees. Clearly, this was and is a hidden danger for Christian leadership. Otherwise, Jesus would not have said it.
But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. Mt 23:8–10 NKJV
Church leadership is so difficult, so I must resist the temptation to condemn leaders who go wrong. There was a pastor who treated me brutally when I was a new convert, but he himself was very young and inexperienced. Years later, I met him again, and he begged for forgiveness. I had already forgiven him, and I was so blessed to be reconciled.
Forgiveness is so important, but we must understand that forgiveness does not mean we should not have safe boundaries.
If you forgive an authoritarian pastor or bullying marriage partner, it does not mean you are obliged to stay close to a person who might continue to destroy you.
But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.
Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. Mt 23:8–10 NKJV
If someone demands that you unconditionally submit to his control, you must are entitled to resist. In fact, you should resist, and if possible break off contact.
The Apostle Paul criticised the Christians in the church in Corinth because they had submitted to the control of authoritarian preachers.
For you put up with fools gladly, since you yourselves are wise!
For you put up with it if one brings you into bondage, if one devours you, if one takes from you, if one exalts himself, if one strikes you on the face. 2 Cor 11:19–20 NKJV
For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church demanded absolute obedience to the Priests, but protestants have no right to criticise. A prominent Pentecostal leader in America said there is a church on every street corner, and every one has its own pope.
Another very popular Pentecostal preacher and author says we must always submit to every authority, even bad authority, because all leaders are appointed by God.
This teaching is so dangerous.
We are told we must never be offended by a leader, but Jesus was frequently offended by the pride and bullying of Jewish leaders. Can this apply to Christian leaders today?
Jesus warned his disciples that they should not be like the Pharisees. Clearly, this was and is a hidden danger for Christian leadership. Otherwise, Jesus would not have said it.
But when human leaders let you down, don't give up on God. He has never let me down.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. Ps 34:18–19 NASB95
