While practising TCFC Tai Chi, we pause between each training exercise. The idea is that in this time, one is to spend some time listening. One is encouraged to listen to the birds, listen to the sound of the wind blowing or the cars going by, but above all the goal is to listen to the still and quiet voice of God.
While listening during a recent training session, it became apparent that we were being warned about the “wolves in sheep’s clothing” or to “beware of the bad priests”.
This is what we felt the Holy Spirit of Christ was trying to say:
“Bad priests use the scripture to judge and to enslave men and not to set them free.
Beware of priests who know the scripture so well but have hard hearts towards men.
Even the ‘demons’ know the scripture so very well. But they use it to hold men to judgment and keep them enslaved.
Rather know few words of scripture, but have a heart overflowing with love towards your fellow men. You may not remember what someone says, but you will always remember the way that they made you feel.
The most powerful form of witchcraft is the use of holy scripture to manipulate, judge and degrade men.
Holy scripture is meant to uplift, guide and enlighten men. Elevating them and their spirits ever closer to the Father.”
Practically, if this means that you are left with an encounter in church that judges without redemption from Jesus, you are in the wrong place.
Now all of these men will now shout in unison: “Ah, but what about your sin? It’s not all prancing ponies and cherry blossoms – we need to point out the sin. You see, we are doing everyone a great favour by pointing out the hard facts that people are well and truly bad.”
To that, return to the scriptures and see that men were made in God’s own image. That we do fall and that we do make mistakes. And it is important to repent for the sins we have done through our own fault.
But priests and pastors like this are the real monsters because they revel in the suffering of men. Just like the demons, they love it when others are brought down to be as miserable as they are.
They are monsters because they are so quick to point out the sins in everyone else, but fail to direct their followers to the whole point – the loving redemptive power of the living Christ. Instead, they point to the darkness and condemn both themselves and those who are enchanted by them.
By contrast, remember that Christ is “slow to chide and swift to bless”.
Do not listen to priests and pastors, or anyone else who seeks to condemn you – leave them to their own misery. Rather, seek out those who point to Jesus as the risen Christ with the power to forgive your sins and heal your soul.
