Well, on the heels of what Puppetmaster talked about today...
Do you get sick of people who you pastor who really don't want a PASTOR, but something else? I'm telling you!
My husband is dealing with someone right now who "hears from God" all the time only we do not really believe they hear from God at all, at least right now. They are nothing but a confused mess. But everywhere, they seem to hear a "word from God" (sorta like the hyper spiritual stuff Puppetmaster is talking about) but meanwhile all these "words' are conflicting at times, and they are confused and seeking advice/counsel. (As they should from their pastor) However when dh really tells them like it is, they shut down and get all upset. Like, "how dare you tell me God's not speaking to me" but meanwhile you know in your heart God didn't tell that person that. Know what I mean? (Sometimes you know because it's contrary to His Word, other times it's just against all wisdom, etc.)
I find these days many people want a "friend" in their leader, someone to talk to, and "confirm" what they think they should do or want to do but when you tell them, "hold on a minute...I don't think that's God" they get all freaky on you, know what I mean?
People these days - many of them don't want a pastor, they want a pal. Or -- they want someone to just agree with them on the kooky superspiritual ideas that God gives them to give some creedance to it. (Like, saying, "God told me this and my pastor confirmed it the other day that it's God's leading...")
My husband is thinking of preaching a series on how to hear the voice of God. I think Joyce Meyer has a book out on this and want to get ahold of it soon...Joyce is so dern practical, it's amazing!
Love you all, just blowing off steam before I go and eat supper..........
If these people spent even 1/4 of the energy they use up trying to be "spiritual," and just concentrate on having a real relationship with Jesus Christ, and fulfilling the Great Commission, think of the impact that would have on our communities!!
My SP has a standard reply when hyper spiritual people come up to him and say, "I have a great book you have GOT to read - it will give you all the answers to how we can win this town for Christ." It's usually something about binding familiar territorial spirits or some 'formula' that has worked for some other church (He's very open to book recommendations from people he respects, but...). Anyway, he'll say, "Yeah, me too! It's called the Bible - have you ever read it?" That usually stops them dead in their tracks.
The other thing that annoys me on those lines is, "The Holy Spirit wants me to say x, y, or z..." Because who can argue with the Holy Spirit? I read in a book about Christian pop culture, where the author was talking about a truly horrible song that a woman had written and asked him for feedback on it. He gave her some constructive criticism, and then she got all offended, saying, "Well, the Holy Spirit gave me this song!!" He wrote in the book that she was really insulting the Holy Spirit's artistic ability by saying that He had given it to her...
