03/19/2009
In a time where discernment seems to be decreasing , there are also those who are beginning to see truth from error. The wheat and the tares are starting to produce their fruit respectively. As the times go by the difference between the two will be more distinct and obvious to those walking in truth
Discernment as such can be properly exercised only through application of the word of God with the Spirit’s aid. One of the important concerns in our charismatic movement today is that the word of God (the whole counsel of God) is not held as the ultimate standard. We give more importance to charisma, experiences and big numbers. We tend to ignore the word of God or chose bits and pieces that suits us or lower the standards accordingly if others are in place. When this is the case discernment will be lacking and we easily fall short of God’s standard.
We need the word of God back in its proper place more than ever in our times. In that light we will look into scriptural guidelines which point to what is true and false. There are several scriptures on false shepherds, false prophets, false apostles and even false brethren. When one brings out these scriptures, the general argument against them is that we discern the false by knowing the true and so that (false) shouldn’t be the focus. While that is primarily true, it cannot be applied to every instance.
The very fact that these negative scriptures are in the word of God shows that there is a reason for it. If Jesus and the apostle Paul felt it necessary to comment on the false then it is important we understand that there is a place for them. Also when deception is prevalent, it is the duty of those in authority to confront the false and expose it.
As we glean from these scriptures it is important that we understand several things.
1) We need the Spirit’s help in application of scripture or else we can do more damage than good. The Pharisees knew the scripture but failed to properly apply it.
2) There is a distinction between one who is immature and one who is false. One who is immature might fail in the beginning but as time progresses can change. However those who are false are those who have an (long) established pattern of rebellion against God’s word.
3) If any individual meets certain requirements but not others ( FOR FALSE) then we need to exert an element of grace along with our discernment. All of us are work under progress.
4) It is not wise to make a final judgment on the end of a person even when he has failed on all scriptural counts. While some may say that we should not do it at all, the fact that the apostles did it shows us that there is a place for it. However unless we foresee the future along with the Lord, it is important to allow room for mercy and repentance. Mercy triumphs over justice.
5) Finally, we must remember that the word of God is a two-edged sword. The same measure we judge others with is the same measure God will judge us.
False shepherds:
Ezekiel 34:2 to 5 -Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophecy and say to them, so says the Lord Jehovah to the shepherds: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?
You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you kill the fat ones, but you do not feed the flock.
You have not made the weak strong, nor have you healed the sick, nor have you bound up the broken. You have not brought again those driven away, nor have you sought that which was lost; but you have ruled them with force and with cruelty.
And they were scattered for lack of a shepherd. And they became food to all the beasts of the field when they were scattered.
John 10:11,12 – I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.
But he who is a hireling and not the shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away. And the wolf catches them and scatters the sheep.
The duty of the shepherd is to nurture the flock. He is responsible for the wounded, hurting and lost. He has to protect the flock even at the cost of his own life.
The shepherds mentioned in Ezekiel weren’t fulfilling those roles. They were more focused on their own well being than the sheep’s. They were cruel to their sheep.
Today, ministries[ not all] are built centered on the leaders and their well being rather than the sheep. It’s not that the focus (to a certain degree) is wrong but it becomes wrong when the leader’s desire is fulfilled at the expense of the sheep. This is evident by the way the sheep are given roles to play as long as it fits in with the ministry’s or the leader’s personal agenda. If out of line they are abused or thrown away.
Even if the vision is God given and people are out of line , we can’t manipulate people or abuse them when they are not in line with God’s purpose!
The shepherds have the responsibility to look into the welfare of the sheep regardless of whether it benefits them or not. As a matter of fact from John 10 we can say that a true shepherd would go a step further by taking care of his sheep at his own expense.
While there is an element of wisdom that needs to be applied here, sacrificial living is the foundation of Christianity. If we don’t exhibit that kind of love the question is; have we really experienced Christ’s love on the cross or have we allowed our hearts to grow hardened after experiencing His love ?
Sometime back when many ministers faced burn out, the blame was placed on the sheep. This resulted in an opposite exodus and has led to where we are today. Shepherds [ not all] are overly concerned after their own well being at the expense of the sheep.
We need to get back to biblical standards or might end up being rebuked by the Lord in the end. Sheep don’t cause burnouts even though they may tend to be unruly and demanding at times. We burn out when we fail to receive our oil from the Lord and maintain priorities. We receive that strength in our private devotions and our general walk with the Lord and discipline is an art that needs to be mastered. If we don’t have those in place, then we will certainly lack the wisdom and the life of God to help others.
In certain countries the shepherds treat their sheep with brutality. There are many sheep that are wounded and hurting as a result. This type of brutal mindset arises mainly from “a superior than thou” complex coupled with pride.
Leaders are called to be the servants of all . We need to live as proper examples, only then are we following the footsteps of our Lord.
