We are living in times where accountability is being brought forth by people on the outside rather than those on the inside. While that is not God’s perfect plan, there are biblical precedents for that. When existing institutions become corrupt enough not to address the faults within, God raises people uncorrupted by them to shine His light on the corruption. Usually, it is those who haven’t been part of the institutions or who were separated from it.
While those types of corrections should be welcomed and not shied away from, we also need to know that the enemy can use it for his purposes if it is left unchecked and without accountability in the longer run; especially when this type of correction starts becoming a norm in spiritual circles.
Generally, those on the outside can see more clearly than those on the inside as they are not bound by any bonds that compromise and also, as they are not looking from within but from the outside.
However, only those on the inside usually have the heart of love and compassion needed and can properly understand the people in their spheres of influence. Therefore, people bringing corrections need to take the extra effort to understand and pray over for wisdom. If not, it can become more harmful than helpful, as it is with the lack of proper correction from poor (or no) discernment, which can be equally if not even more harmful.
Now, as many things are being brought to light, we should welcome it on one hand. On the other hand, not every accusation may be true or will be properly presented. Therefore, we should never take everything at face value immediately, neither should we blindly agree with their every conclusion.
Considering this, my prayer is that the following thoughts will help guide our discernment in the right direction as it is much needed this hour!
We are living in times where discussing ministers’ faults in the public domain has become a common thing.
With the good there is a lot of bad involved and therefore when we are exposed to it, we need to be able to discern properly as to whether what we are hearing or seeing is actually true (if a person is guilty or if the person accusing is at fault) and if so, how much of it has the Spirit of Christ in it.
Here are some helpful guidelines that will help with personal discernment!
Do I conclude prior to even investigating whether the person is guilty or innocent?
Or to be more specific deem the person guilty or innocent beforehand and then from there build my case against them or defend them?
Before even looking into the details, based on my conclusions, do I look for narratives that suit my preconceived conclusions IGNORING OR BEING TOTALLY CLOSED TO THE OTHER SIDE AND WHAT THEY MAY HAVE TO SAY?
IF SO:
1) Everything is viewed from the tainted lens of guilt or innocence.
2) Anything and everything to justify one’s position is used even when not certain and there is zero or very little openness to genuine course correction or change, regardless of the evidence in front.
3) We are ok when Biblical precedents are not followed, and excuses are given as to why they weren’t followed.
4) When the evidence is overwhelmingly for or against, then minimizing the mistakes takes place.
We need to ask God’s help in changing ourselves and our mindsets if we have had judged situations in similar manner
Now minimizing mistakes has become a common practice today when people’s errors are exposed and they can’t hide anymore. However, there is developing an uneven scale of balance in regard to this that needs to be addressed.
Those bringing in accusations (does not relate to victims) seem to be getting away with everything that they say (NOT BEFORE GOD!) If a minister is being held to a certain standard on the presumption of guilt, then if those who bring the accusation are wrong in what they’ve said or their conclusions on someone (again, it’s in the case when they are not the victims), they should be held to the same standard they have held others to.
If we prematurely or wrongly call on a minister to be disqualified, doesn’t that disqualify us? Do we not know that by the same measure we mete out to others, it would be meted out to us?
Going back to discerning right, regardless of whom it might be that brings the accusation or whichever reputed minister is defending himself or someone else; we must always start from a place of neutrality. Remember everyone is fallible and that includes US (MYSELF)!
Finally, we need to do our research under the governance of the Spirit, listening to His checks and insights! As important as scriptures are, they can be used by both sides to justify their position. Usage of scriptures is not necessarily a sign of being right before the Lord!
The witness and the peace of the Spirit along with scriptural application based on the spirit of the law and not the letter is primary for proper discernment!
MORE TO FOLLOW
