"Lording"

We need to encourage one another but so many, what they call encouragement is nothing more than 'lording.' We ask people to participate in something because we want them to and if they are reluctant, we lay the talk on them making them feel badly or guilty because they do not do what we want. That's lording! I have seen in the church where people, especially the men, are asked to lead a prayer or serve in some capacity. If they say 'no' or feel uncomfortable being put in such a position, they are made to feel their relationship with the Lord is lacking. That's lording! I heard an elder once tell a fellow that if he was really growing, he would be speaking from time to time and more involved in the public worship. That's lording! There is nothing more shallow spiritually than those who try to manipulate and control others by exposing their lack of deeds in certain areas as a lack of love for the Lord. It's not only 'lording' but complete legalism!

The Pharisees thrived on lording and their deeds! They prayed and fasted often (Matt. 6). They gave money to the poor and paid tithes (Matt. 23). They were regular, every time the doors open temple worshipers (Luke 18). They were tireless evangelists (Matt. 23). They held that their possession of Scripture was their ticket to heaven (John 5:39). They used their Bible as a their textbook in correcting those in the wrong. They even used the Scriptures on Jesus! And what did Jesus say about them? They were heartless and loveless. They honored with their lips but their heart was not with God. They looked good, spoke good and acted good but they had a heartless and faithless approach to God. They looked good externally but were rotten within.

Why am I speaking all this? We need to be careful trying to convince people what they need to be doing! We have become lords that judge the motives of people. We simply cannot and do not know someones motives for why they do what they or don't do what they do. We can judge someones actions as that is right. We can assess words spoken and deeds according to the word but motives as to why someone chooses not to do something, that's not our right!! We can say, "Your actions are contrary to the teachings of the Lord!" But to say someone isn't growing or not spiritual because they refuse to be a part of something is a judge of motives. The Lord considers peoples weaknesses and fears. We can encourage others to step forward but to make one feel inferior or guilty because we think they should be doing something, that is stepping across the line. It even carries to the point of, "If they were really repentant, they wouldn't be asking for prayers again! This is the third time this month they have come forward. They are just looking for attention." When will we realize that some may have an intensive struggle with certain sins in their lives? Can it be possible? Yes! Just because we don't think so doesn't mean others don't struggle. Too many have become so smug and self righteous lords, but know nothing of overcoming the intense struggle against sin. Sin tries to take people down and thank God people try to hold to Jesus!!!

Can we trust Jesus to grow us? Why not encourage someone and leave it at that. No digs, no guilt to get a response. Encourage them to Jesus and let Him grow them. How do you know He wants them doing what you are asking and lord over them? Didn't Jesus say those very words to Peter (John 21:19-20)?