“Liberty is the prevention of control by others.” John Acton
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Mat7.15 ESV
There are many dangerous people who have taken to themselves the cloak being a spiritual guru over others. The first century had its share and Paul spent a great deal of energy warning Christians about them. Control freaks are often disguised as Bible teachers, pastors and priests, and often burden their followers with a great deal of religions nonsense. I once heard of a pastor who persuaded the men in his congregation that it was God’s will that they all grow beards.
Too many people in ministry measure their worth by the number of people who come hear them speak and the degree of influence they can exercise over them. What characterizes a controlling pastor? Fruit of course. Even when these people talk about following Jesus they somehow and always come back to supporting their church or whatever else they are trying accomplish. Controlling pastors want you to serve Christ by serving their cause; real pastors just help you to serve Christ. Wolves prey on the sheep; shepherds serve them. ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
