Spiritual battle is extremely important today - for the Church is being attacked from many different angles, from many different sources, and from some area that we have not considered before.
A "spirit of religion" is a phrase that is used often today in the church. Often used in your more "grace-centered" places of worship, the term is usually spoken to pinpoint or point-out an act of legalism or judgmental activity. Whenever someone begins to act out judgments or their activities around religion instead of relationship, then they are usually accused of being controlled by a spirit of religion.
The sad truth is that legalism is real and it does true damage! The well meaning spirit filled Christian can still quickly fall vistim to the spirit of religion and bring damage to themselves as well as other people. Sometimes it's truly a spirit (a demonic spirit) working through a person, and yet sometimes it is simply an improper mindset based on years of wrong thinking.
Turn on Christian television and you will see the legalistic preacher bring condemnation and shame to those who are still attempting to mature in the body of Christ, and you will also see the other ministers, coming against the legalistic preachers! We are coming against each other and we must stop!
So, does the spirit of religion stop with the legalistic Christian? Not at all. In fact, more and more we are witnessing the spirit of religion both attack and influence Christians with a spirit of "elitism" - An "air" about them that causes them to truly believe they are part of some elite club of revelatory masters! As they receive revelation in an area of the word of God, they become puffed-up and feel superior to those without the same revelation.
Have you received a spiritual download on healing, miracles, eschatology, grace, or any other area. I pray you do receive revelation and spiritual downloads - yet always consider that we only see in part and hear in part. We don't have the total view or revelation - and what we are given is because God has chosen to reveal. Respect and cherish the rinsights that the Lord gives you, yet never let it puff-up, allowing the spirit of religion to take root in your life.
We see the spirit of religion in two distinct camps today - one is the camp of legalism, adding to the word of God in order to control others. The other camp is elitism, bringing people up to a place where they look down upon others in the body of Christ. We are all growing and being transformed from glory-to-glory (2 Cor. 3:18) - and we all need to grow in brotherly love as well.
What is the key? Stay truly humble and thankful for the transformation of God. Stay in communion with Christ - stay in the secret place with God and allow your insights to help you grow. Never allow the spirit of religion to grow in your life. Love others and God as you witness the miracles of God transform you from glory-to-glory. Examine yourselves often, and study the way you treat others. Stay in love and watch God bring even more revelation to your life!
A "spirit of religion" is a phrase that is used often today in the church. Often used in your more "grace-centered" places of worship, the term is usually spoken to pinpoint or point-out an act of legalism or judgmental activity. Whenever someone begins to act out judgments or their activities around religion instead of relationship, then they are usually accused of being controlled by a spirit of religion.
The sad truth is that legalism is real and it does true damage! The well meaning spirit filled Christian can still quickly fall vistim to the spirit of religion and bring damage to themselves as well as other people. Sometimes it's truly a spirit (a demonic spirit) working through a person, and yet sometimes it is simply an improper mindset based on years of wrong thinking.
Turn on Christian television and you will see the legalistic preacher bring condemnation and shame to those who are still attempting to mature in the body of Christ, and you will also see the other ministers, coming against the legalistic preachers! We are coming against each other and we must stop!
So, does the spirit of religion stop with the legalistic Christian? Not at all. In fact, more and more we are witnessing the spirit of religion both attack and influence Christians with a spirit of "elitism" - An "air" about them that causes them to truly believe they are part of some elite club of revelatory masters! As they receive revelation in an area of the word of God, they become puffed-up and feel superior to those without the same revelation.
Have you received a spiritual download on healing, miracles, eschatology, grace, or any other area. I pray you do receive revelation and spiritual downloads - yet always consider that we only see in part and hear in part. We don't have the total view or revelation - and what we are given is because God has chosen to reveal. Respect and cherish the rinsights that the Lord gives you, yet never let it puff-up, allowing the spirit of religion to take root in your life.
We see the spirit of religion in two distinct camps today - one is the camp of legalism, adding to the word of God in order to control others. The other camp is elitism, bringing people up to a place where they look down upon others in the body of Christ. We are all growing and being transformed from glory-to-glory (2 Cor. 3:18) - and we all need to grow in brotherly love as well.
What is the key? Stay truly humble and thankful for the transformation of God. Stay in communion with Christ - stay in the secret place with God and allow your insights to help you grow. Never allow the spirit of religion to grow in your life. Love others and God as you witness the miracles of God transform you from glory-to-glory. Examine yourselves often, and study the way you treat others. Stay in love and watch God bring even more revelation to your life!
About the Author:
A stronger link with the religious element of your nature is achievable through personal prophecy and meditation. If you need a prophetic word for counseling or comfort, visit the web pages.
No comments:
Post a Comment