The other day I was working in my garage and the
project didn't go as well as I'd wanted... so what did I do? I went to an
expert for advice.
He gave me advice and information that helped me
accomplish my goal.
We too need advice at times for the path we travel
through life. So who do we go to when we need a little help?
Obviously we pray, or we study the Bible...
And there might be a time when you want to visit
your clergy.
Members of the clergy are given a charge they have
accepted willingly. These people represent the Lord here on earth. These
individuals need to live the gospel of Jesus Christ in order to teach the
gospel of our Lord, and be able to advise others on matters of personal trouble
or distress - or even simple lessons of guidance.
If there is a time when you find your clergy isn't
fulfilling your spiritual - or even your temporal needs for counsel and advice
- you can always find one who does.
Then the question arises - "what if this member
of the clergy gives me advice that contradicts the teachings of the Holy
Bible?"
This is why you need to stay in touch with The Lord,
and keep a good understanding of The Bible - because if your clergy teaches
anything against the Lord's will - he or she is not only responsible for their
actions, but for the sins you commit under their advice as well; however...
Philippians 2:12 clearly states we are responsible
for "working out" our own salvation, but through those times when our
spiritual path is in turmoil - the clergy of choice must take caution not to
lead a susceptible member of The Lord's flock astray.
Read Ezekiel chapter 34, and you'll gain a new
appreciation for the responsibility the clergy has for "feeding the Lord's
sheep"
If you have read it - then read it again very slowly
- along with Jeremiah 23, but there are many other passages as well that paint
the picture of warning to members of the clergy that either lead the
"sheep" astray, or even fail to fully live up to the responsibility
they have willingly accepted.
James chapter 4 verse 17 states that "Therefore
to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" . . .
this is the time when the misleading minister is responsible for your actions -
that is - if your actions are a result of someone else's advice given poorly
while the recipient is in a condition of weakened spirituality.
All too often "now days" individuals claim
to be members of the clergy, and do not truly feed the flock of The Lord.
They take Bible passages out of context, not knowing
what the entirety of the section of God's word contains... Jesus warns us not to follow the commandments of man - the traditions of man...
It's like trying to interpret an entire motion
picture show (movie) by looking at a single "frame" of the film.
Always take caution when seeking the advice of a
minister that doesn't offer a thorough explanation to life's problems without
giving a complete Biblical and truthful explanation - also with the help of
prayer - seeking the Holy Spirit, and prayerful consideration petitioning The Lord
Himself for help and advice.
Always take caution if the minister of choice asks
for compensation or donations when you seek personal help: I do not discourage
contributions through the regular observed process, but warn people not to fall
for the "TV" evangelist that promises salvation through
contributions.
The Apostle Paul does say that the minister can
receive compensation for their work, but let's look at the reality of how
lavish a lifestyle the Lord's anointed should live. Contributions can sustain a
modest life for the Priest, but the buld of the contributions should maintain
the Church facility, and then be given to the various programs, and for helping
the needy.
I am often sought for advice through e-mail and the
internet, and will do my best to teach the truth our Lord has given. I do not
ask for compensation whereas I maintain employment to support myself.
We believe that ministers who are solely dependent
upon the support of the congregation can be tempted to follow the popular
trends of the times, and may "interpret" scripture to benefit the
security of their employment.
Jesus warns us directly - Himself - to be careful of
"prophets" giving false
doctrine... Matthew 7:15... "beware of false prophets, which come to you
in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravaging wolves"
I recommend you always seek the comfort of The Lord
- asking to be filled with The Holy Spirit - for the power of discernment - to
know the will of God, to do the will of God... and that your path may always be
lit by The Light of Christ.
