Blindly Follow Leaders? Really?

A quick look at Psalm 105:15 seems to defend preachers who ask their followers to blindly follow them.  Anyone who asks questions or who disagrees with those in authority, even when their concerns are expressed in love and respect, is branded as being rebellious.  

What is this verse REALLY saying?"

I too have wondered about the psalmist’s intention. I think it's time to place it into its proper context, and then to confront any misapplications.  The psalmist writes, "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm" (NIV).

While I appreciate those around me who pray for, love and support me, I'm always mindful of the fact that I also need accountability.  No one is right all the time.  Preachers are not infallible; however, the Scriptures require that those who labor in the gospel be treated with respect.

Admittedly, God uses imperfect vessels to deliver His perfect message!  To be sure, the Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 5:17 that "the elders (pastors) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching."  The writer to the Hebrews tells us to "obey your leaders and submit to their authority.  They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.  Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (13:17).  Individuals who cruelly dissect messages, who publicly ridicule, and who speak openly against the faults of those who guard their soul, open themselves up to God’s dissatisfaction. 

With this being said, I personally find it difficult to receive correction, criticism and/or rebuke from those who do not support my calling and ministry with their prayers, friendship, and respectful attitudes.  It is equally difficult to submit to leaders who seldom come around, or who never invest themselves in my life.  However, these verses need to be put into balance.

I don't believe anyone should be manipulated, maligned, or mistreated in the house of God.  It should be a safe haven.  Pastors should not lord over their people and the "sheep" should honor the position of pastor, each submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord.  The Apostle Peter makes this clear: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who will also share in the glory to be revealed.  Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:1-4). 

It's both wonderful and sobering to know that true pastors one day are going to receive a crown of glory!

Unfortunately and sadly, some misguided pastors and church leaders who maintain unreasonable control and who micro-manage their people sometimes quote Psalm 105:15 to support their delinquency.  This is tragic.  

Conversely, there are "Alexander the Coppersmiths" (2 Timothy 4:14) in every church at some point.  I know, because I've pastored some of them!  You may recall that Alexander the coppersmith was the "metalworker [who] did the Apostle Paul much harm."  He was an evil man who followed Paul and continually undermined his ministry.  However, such people are very rare.  Thank God!  Surely you would agree that blatantly evil people should be dealt with decisively and harshly.  Souls are at stake!  This scenario represents the extreme side of things. 

I keep diverting...Psalm 105:15 is nestled in a brief account of Israel's wanderings.  God had promised the children of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, the land of Canaan "as the portion they would inherit" (verse 11).  When kings and nations tried to oppress God's people, He intervened.  His people never suffered destruction, even when famine destroyed the land.  God always raised up a leader, a protector, a guardian of His covenant.  In this case, He chose Joseph (verses 17-19).

The "anointed ones" in verse 15 refer to the people of Israel--God's covenant people.  The "prophets" refer to God's spokesmen who revealed God's Word and ways for each successive generation.  Psalm 105:15 balances God's loving concern for those who lead with those who are led.  By the way, this same passage is found in 1 Chronicles 16:19-22.  In today's economy of grace, we who are indwelled by the Spirit are all "anointed."

As far as I can tell, the psalmist understood the priesthood of all believers--those who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit--and reminded them that God is their covenant maker and covenant protector.  None of us--preachers included--should use this verse to justify wrong attitudes and actions in the house of God.  The Christian life is best lived out in mutual love and respect for others.  None of us should try to control, manipulate, judge, or wrongly use our influence, and when challenged use this verse to justify our actions.

You see, we do the Word, God, others and ourselves a gross injustice when we pull Bible verses out of context to support our misguided attitudes.  Pulling rabbits out of a hat may be okay at the circus, but pulling verses out of context and at random always gets us into trouble.

Yes, honor the men and women of God who teach and preach.  And pray that they "live a life worthy of the calling [they] have received" (Ephesians 4:1).  Remember, however, that verse 2 balances out the whole thing:  "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

The Bible is not to be used as a club when we need support and justification for misguided actions.  It is a double-edged sword that exposes the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

The Checkbook Challenge

“Put your money where your mouth is.”  Have you heard this spoken?  I’ve said it many times, not fully realizing its truth.

What do you value most?  Go to your checkbook ledger and find out!  Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).  

We spend our money on those things that are important to us.  As we conclude another year, perhaps it’s time to re-evaluate our priorities.  Money is a tool that helps us to attain what we both need and want.  I get it.  Someone said, “Money is not important.”  However, when you don’t have enough and you can’t pay your bills, buy groceries or fill your tank, you may wish to re-think such an opinion!

Certainly, money IS important!  And it’s also a gauge.  I have counseled teenagers and young adults, who possessed the latest in cell phones, 52-inch TV screens with over 300 accompanying cable channels; numerous video games, laptop computers, along with more of the latest technology.  And most of them ate out at least 4-5 times each week.  Sadly however, some of them were facing foreclosure on their mortgage, repossession of their automobile, possible eviction from their rental.  Such a predicament mandates reprioritizing.  Would you agree?

I recently took the “Checkbook Challenge.”  Before I did, I asked the Lord to help me make any necessary adjustments in my spending habits.  If you pay your bills online, then take the “Online Challenge!”

It really is true.  Your spending habits may need to be adjusted!  A family night with Scrabble and popcorn is certainly cheaper than movie tickets!

If you are a Christ follower, ask yourself, “Does my giving to my local church or ministry in general reflect my passion and love for Christ, or do I need to re-evaluate my position?” 

“Have I allowed other things (treasures) to steal away my love for Christ and His church?”  Your church deserves your support and your heart!  I say this not because I’m a pastor seeking an offering.  I say this because you need heaven’s backing in your finances in the coming new year!  It’s a fact that we can’t make withdraws if we don’t make deposits. 

Placing God’s tithe and our offerings into heaven’s bank account will insure our on-going financial protection and blessings in the days ahead.  God promised us through the prophet Malachi that He would rebuke the devourer (those things that try to steal or destroy our financial security) if we would put the Lord first in our spending:  “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the works of your ground, nor will your vine in the field cast its grapes, says the Lord of hosts” (3:11).  That promise, made to a bunch of farmers, goes for all who understand that money given to support God’s work provides heavenly dividends and earthly security.  

Time Management

“Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).

Perhaps like you, I’ve read the preceding verse numerous times and didn’t give it much thought.  However, in recent months, I have been challenged to take another look.  The psalmist, I believe, has much to say to our fast-paced, busy generation.  Let’s dissect this powerful verse.

First he says, “Teach us.”  Good time management is a learned skill.  If we don’t learn how to spend our time, we may very well squander precious moments that we’ll never get back.  You understand the difference between rest and relaxation and wasting time, right?  Watching your favorite TV show may relax you, but spending hours in front of the TV may rob you of productivity.

The next phrase is “to number our days.”  We must learn to plan.  To plan is to optimize our time and energies.  When I taught high school English back in the 80’s, I discovered that if I didn’t plan something for my students, they would!  Life is too short to squander our days.  Let’s make them count!  I’ve adopted the “good, better, best” formula and try to apply it to my everyday life.  I ask myself, “Is what I’m doing the good thing, or the better thing, or is it the best thing to do given my current situation?”

We all have the same 24 hours. May we spend them wisely, which leads me to the next phrase:  “That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”  We need wisdom when it comes to effective time management.  Understand something.  The psalmist indicates that what we do with our time is driven by what’s in our heart. 

If we’re lazy or unmotivated, our hearts draw us to waste precious life moments.  I often meet up with people who do absolutely nothing with their lives.  Television, video games, cell phones and social media steal their life potential and at the end of each day these “couch potatoes” have nothing to show for their time.  And most of them are depressed and bound by some type of habit that steals their productivity, and gradually kills their hearts.  I can think of few things sadder than a wasted life.

Again, our hearts dictate what we do with our time.  I want my life to speak well of the Christ I represent.  I want time to be my friend, not my nemesis.  At 62 years old, I look back and ask, “Where did the past six decades go?  Time went by so quickly.  My kids are raised and now have families of their own.  I have six grandkids (and another on the way!), I’m going to be Medicare eligible in three years, and I want to know where time went! 

Do you see my point?  Let’s make each day count.  Let’s not squander our time on needless things and activities that add up to nothing in the long run. 

I know!  Let’s invest in what gladdens the heart of God – people!  In our very self-centered, narcissistic world, let’s use our time to make an eternal difference in the lives we touch every day.  In that way, time is on our side!

Blindly Follow Leaders?

Psalm 105:15 is quoted in defense of preachers who ask their followers to blindly follow them.  Anyone who asks questions or who disagrees with those in authority, even when their concerns are expressed in love and respect, is branded as being rebellious.  What is this verse REALLY saying?"  

Being a minister and pastor, I too have wondered about this verse.  I think it's time to put it into a proper context, and then to confront any misapplications.  The psalmist writes, "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm" (NIV).

While I appreciate those around me who pray for, love and support me, I'm always mindful of the fact that I, too, need accountability.  Nobody is right all the time.  Preachers are not infallible; however, the Scriptures require that those who labor in the gospel be treated with respect.

Admittedly, God uses imperfect vessels to deliver His perfect message!  To be sure, the Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 5:17 that "the elders (pastors) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching."  The writer to the Hebrews tells us to "obey your leaders and submit to their authority.  They keep watch over you as men who must give an account.  Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (13:17).

With this being said, I personally find it difficult to receive correction, criticism and/or rebuke from those who do not support my calling and ministry with their prayers, friendship, and respectful attitudes.  It is equally difficult to submit to leaders who seldom come around, or who never invest themselves in my life.  However, these verses need to be put into balance.

I don't believe anyone should be manipulated, maligned, or mistreated in the house of God.  It should be a safe haven.  Pastors should not lord over their people and the "sheep" should honor the position of pastor, each submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord.  The Apostle Peter makes this clear: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who will also share in the glory to be revealed.  Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:1-4).  It's both wonderful and sobering to know that true pastors one day are going to receive a crown of glory!

Let's go back to the original question.  I do think that some misguided pastors and church leaders who maintain unreasonable control and who micro-manage their people sometimes quote Psalm 105:15 to support their delinquency.  This is tragic.  Yes, there are "Alexander the coppersmiths" (2 Timothy 4:14) in every church at some point.  I know, because I've pastored some of them!  You may recall that Alexander the coppersmith was the "metalworker [who] did the Apostle Paul much harm."  He was an evil man who followed Paul and continually undermined his ministry.  However, such people are very rare.  Thank God!  Surely you would agree that blatantly evil people should be dealt with decisively and harshly.  Souls are at stake!

I keep diverting...Psalm 105:15 is nestled in a brief account of Israel's wanderings.  God had promised the children of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, the land of Canaan "as the portion they would inherit" (verse 11).  When kings and nations tried to oppress God's people, He intervened.  His people never suffered destruction, even when famine destroyed the land.  God always raised up a leader, a protector, a guardian of His covenant.  In this case, He raised up Joseph (verses 17-19).

The "anointed ones" in verse 15 refer to the people of Israel--God's covenant people.  The "prophets" refer to God's spokesmen who revealed God's Word and ways to each successive generation.  Psalm 105:15 balances God's loving concern for those who lead with those who are led.  By the way, this same passage is found in 1 Chronicles 16:19-22.  In today's economy of grace, we who are indwelled by the Spirit are all "anointed."

As far as I can tell, the psalmist understood the priesthood of all believers--those who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit--and reminds them that God is their covenant maker and covenant protector.  None of us--preachers included--should use this verse to justify wrong attitudes and actions in the house of God.  The Christian life is best lived out in mutual love and respect for others.  None of us should try to control, manipulate, judge, or wrongly use our influence, and when challenged use this verse to justify our actions.

You see, we do the Word, God, others and ourselves a gross injustice when we pull Bible verses out of context to support our misguided attitudes.  Pulling rabbits out of a hat may be alright at the circus, but pulling Bible verses out of context can get us into trouble.

Yes, honor the men and women of God who teach and preach.  And pray that they "live a life worthy of the calling [they] have received" (Ephesians 4:1).  Remember, however, that verse 2 balances out the whole thing:  "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."

The Bible was given not to be used as a club when we need support and justification; rather, it is a double-edged sword that exposes the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).