False Leaders

Scripture: You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:2-3

Observation: History has a way of having individuals who lead the people astray by explicitly telling falsehoods about God. Whether it was the Jews building a golden calf or raising Asherah poles, or for gentiles the worship of Greek or Roman gods, someone always led the people into this, and they followed.

The prophets always called these situations out, holding leaders accountable while trying to correct the people. Paul is also calling out a way to proactively identify this situation for the Church. False leaders will speak against Jesus, while those in the spirit will declare Jesus as Lord.

Application: I am so quick to look at people around me and say they are "lost". However, Paul may be teaching a different lesson here. People are lost, however they can be redeemed, just as Jews and Gentiles had been lost but were now turning to Jesus. However, for lost people, there is always a leader, and those leaders are always doing one of two things. Some are failing to acknowledge Jesus as Lord and thus are not adopting his teaching. However, some are actually in opposition to Jesus. This total clarity addresses two issues in today's society.

One issue is the validity of other religions, including those that claim to be Christian. Some other religions completely dishonor Jesus - they are clearly false. Others acknowledge him in some way but deny is full lordship, and Paul is clearly stating that they are false as well.

The second issue today is the leadership of society. It is rare to find leaders that declare "Jesus is Lord." It is more likely to find leaders who are silent about Jesus, but who are downright activists when it comes to opposing his teachings. They openly rally, support, endorse, and champion causes that are contrary to Jesus.

It is clear what Paul is warning about these leaders - they are leading people astray. They do not - they cannot - have the Holy Spirit within them. And their actions are what is driving others away from Jesus. So while we contend for the souls of non-believers, it is in fact these leaders that are primarily driving our friends, neighbors, and colleagues away from Christ.

Prayer: Lord, this is why you call us to pray for leaders! The influence they have is so great, that it must be an area to be overcome if we are to revive others around us. This has always been the case. May you give us all the eyes to see false leaders, to understand the impact on society, and to - as the Church - step into the void as leaders with a message that Jesus is Lord. Amen.