Some church leaders are more akin to Pharisees than true servants. The religious spirit of Pharisees will always kill spiritual life. They operate from an elitist mindset referring to themselves as, “seasoned from years of experience, more mature than others, God’s chosen saints” As they enforce their views upon others their traditions became laws and in their zeal to keep their traditions they actually are breaking God's law. Jesus said they were hypocrites not practicing what they preached.
The Pharisees will put emphasis on externals and those they rule over must conform to their traditional views. Yet true Christianity is, righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” Rom. 14:17 not a set of rules.
The spiritual standing of others is measured by external compliance to their rules according to Pharisees. Those who do not conform are not accepted within the church, group, leadership or sect. Pharisees will argue strongly defending their traditional positions especially when their practices are questioned, expect it.
If a church member begins to discern the Pharisaical entrapment and leaves, that leaving member is then vilified as Jesus was when His nonconformance to traditions and rules angered the Pharisees of His day. Why? That others might not follow after those who have ears to hear and eyes to see by leaving as well. Pharisees need members to seek them out because of their lust for positions of power and recognition. Matt. 23:5-7
Pharisees need, crave, demand followers to rule over believing they are more learned so others should seek them out. Gal. 4:17 Leaders serve, not rule. I concur with apostle Paul, do I become your enemy by telling you the truth? Gal. 4:16
~ Michael Smith
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