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Pastors Anointing Rather vs Scriptural Promises of God

There are anointed men of God out there as there are equally self-appointed men who genuinely serve or propose to serve God. One is safer in the hands of a truly anointed man of God and our desire is that we recognize, appreciate and benefit from the teachings, guidance and counsel of such men.

Unfortunately, some pastors possess more charisma than they do anointing, and are able to sway their congregation with their charm, than they do their teachings and ultimately use these to increase their congregation, exposure and sometimes control over their sheep. As more pastors are becoming charismatic some are beginning to stress ideals which they taken out of scripture may not necessary be scriptural.

Tailor making the Bible to make it politically correct sometimes is not the best approach, as issues of most importance such as Salvation become pushed to the background while subject matters like prosperity become a priority.

There is nothing wrong with prospering as the Lord desires that we prosper, but He wants us to prosper in all things, spiritual, emotional, mental and physical and not just financial. When you forgo heavenly promises for earthly promises, they will not last you are doing yourself a disservice.

We cannot blame pastors solely for decisions we make in life, but because they are there to help direct and guide our steps they deserve to take some of the responsibility when they misguide or fail to chastise or convict their congregation when they are aware of their missteps.

People that concentrate their beliefs and breakthroughs solely on the power or anointing of their pastors are setting themselves up for disappointments. For instance a person that makes bad decisions and gets unexpected or undeserved relief through intercessory prayers by his pastor may forget or fail to realize that his escape from dire consequences is simply by the 'grace' of God. Subsequently ascribing his victory to the pastor's anointing rather than realizing that God has promised to deliver him/her from trouble may set the precedence for such a person, turning to his/her pastor rather than the words and promises of God in the future. Then the day this process fails to favour him/her, his/her anger will be directed at his/her pastor.

Sometimes God gives us trials to test and strengthen us, but we fail to see the message in the mess, when we neglect or fail to rely on his scriptural promises as to what He has assured us that He will do to deliver us from such situations.

While at such times the guidance of an anointed or God-fearing knowledgeable pastor will be useful, we should not fail to recognize that what is most valuable, is the promises of God for us as abundantly provided in the Scriptures.

The question thus is "Are People Relying More on their Pastors Anointing Rather Than the Scriptural Promises of God?"

Today their are some people that call themselves 'Anointing Chasers' who basically chase pastors they consider anointed from church to church and convention to convention. A considerable number of these do not stay long enough in one place to absorb the scriptures, but simply chase the power they believe will fall upon them from the real and proposed anointed pastors.

Such people tend to contribute to the eventual fall of pastors who make the grave mistake of letting the power ascribed to them ultimately corrupt them. When a pastor begins to think he is greater than God, or invisible to God, he has already set the stage for his downfall. That is why it is important for us to pray for and encourage our pastors, that they may not self-aggrandize and subsequently fall into snares they may or may not be able to escape from.

The relationship between a pastor and his congregation is one of giving and taking. He gives us the guidance, love and support needed to faithfully and successfully use the tools God has giving us as Christians, by preaching, teaching, praying for and encouraging us, while we reciprocate by praying for and supporting him, without hypocrisy and with the ability to be forthright with the truth when we notice he is deviating from his calling or what a true Christian Shepherd should be. when we

The failure to emphasize the truth and the love of power can translate into self-love in anyone and can be very dangerous in any pastor, so we should be careful not to tempt or mislead our pastors.

What is most important is that we remember that we should always put God first, recognizing that He gave us the scriptures for a purpose, and no amount of anointing in a pastor, can supersede that which God can equally or abundantly bestow on each and everyone of us, only if we would heed His word and allow His Holy Spirit to dwell and manifest in us.

We should strive to develop our spiritual giftings that we may work in unison to lift God's glory up, since each and everyone of us has a gifting regardless of whether we choose to recognize or develop them, and the scriptures is the key to doing this effectively.

We should take heed not to abuse that privilege, nor use it for our own selfish means or evil deeds though, as the consequences are manifold and long-lasting. May God help us all.

Again the question is "Are People Relying More on their Pastors Anointing Rather Than the Scriptural Promises of God?" Please share your views and concerns.

Cxsm
7th Oct.'08

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May we be strengthened with the ability, willingness and capabilities to be good ambassadors of Nigeria contributing to its uplifting, rather than its detriment. - Cxsm