The greatest obstacle to God’s desire for redemption is God’s people themselves

During the third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization, Chris Wright challenged Pastors and Missionaries to confront their seductive idols. He said the greatest obstacle to God’s desire for redemption is his own people.

The three seductive idols of God’s workers

1. Idol of Power and Pride

Church leaders who often find themselves hurt when ignored or criticized have the seed of pride. Isaiah 2:12 tells us that God is coming against all that is proud and lofty. The Lord ALONE will be exalted.

What does God require of us?

Jesus said, “Whoever is greatest among you must become like the youngest, and whoever leads, like the one serving (Luke 22:26).” To be obsessed or concerned about status, position, or office in a Christian organization is sheer disobedience.

As Chris points out, “it destroys the very thing we are seeking; we are called back to repentance to humility.”

The dangers of “God told me so”

Quoting scriptures is powerful and men of the cloth misused it for centuries. We could be mimicking a false prophet when we quote verses that we think is “Rhema,” when actually, the “Lord has NOT spoken” (Ezekiel 22:28). Paul warns us that Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Satan knows the Bible and he loves to quote Scripture in order to destroy faith. In tempting Jesus, the devil argued from the powers of Scripture!”

DO YOU HAVE TO REPENT TO GO TO HEAVEN?

2. Idol of Popularity and Success

Most church leaders begin as humble servants. As their ministry grows, motives may change. When they reach the peak of popularity, many pride themselves on their accomplishments, stealing God’s glory.

“Desiring recognition can lead us to manipulation, dishonesty, distortion, and exaggeration,” says Chris. Who wouldn’t be delighted with a comment saying, “You are a blessing to God’s ministry.”

We could unknowingly be stealing God’s glory

Dazzling preachers

Superstar preachers have thousands of followers and a lifestyle to match it. Ironically, Jesus walked the opposite by being humble and frequently isolating himself from the crowd. Not

SIGNS OF FALSE TEACHERS.

3. Idol of Wealth and Greed

Isaiah saw a whole culture of covetousness, which is idolatry. We know that God longs to provide abundantly for his people, but Moses also warned against having too much of it. (Deuteronomy 8:10-11)

The devil tempted Jesus with wealth and power. Today, Satan uses the same strategy with Jesus’ disciples, and many have failed the test. As Johnny Cash said, “you could have it all, my empire of dirt,” and it’s not always about money.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE A BAD PASTOR.

Should we “claim it”?

The catchphrase “Name it Claim it” is synonymous with the “prosperity gospel.” We must be careful of what we claim in Jesus’ name because greed has many forms. “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions,” warns Jesus. (Luke 12:15)

SECRET SINS OF PASTORS.

Don’t be a modern Pharasee

During the time of Jesus, the Pharisees were considered guardians of heaven’s gate, but many were Satan’s instruments. Not much has changed. Today, progressive Christianity opened the door for Satan to deceive people by pretending to represent God.

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