Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-7 KJV
- 1 Timothy 3:2 KJV
Pastors and religious leaders must be held to a high standard of accountability, as they have a significant influence on the lives of their congregation and the broader community. When they claim divine excuses for their actions or inactions, it can lead to a lack of transparency, trust, and accountability within the church.
Are you Saved? - Previous | Next
Some TV evangelists, pastors and other religious leaders falsely claim to be anointed by God (or have others claim it for them) to justify and excuse their poor behavior, such as:
- Micromanaging: Concentrating power and silencing critics, rather than empowering others and fostering accountability.
- Manipulation: Refusing input from staff and congregants, and eliminating checks on their authority.
- Priestly Class: Creating a sense of superiority, implying that only they possess a special gift or anointing, thereby limiting others’ ability to minister and serve.
This abuse of anointing can lead to a culture of fear, control, and stagnation within the church. It is essential to recognize that no person that God created has been granted immunity from accountability or is excused from sinful behavior.
Contrast with Biblical Teaching
The Bible does not excuse sin, but rather encourages repentance and forgiveness. God has not provided any spiritual leader a license for abuse of power or poor behavior, but rather a calling to serve and lead with humility and accountability.
In James 3:1, we read, "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." This verse highlights the responsibility that comes with leadership, particularly in the church. Pastors and spiritual leaders must be careful not to use their position to excuse sinful behavior or to avoid accountability.
In 1 Timothy 3:5, we read, "For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?" This verse emphasizes the importance of personal integrity and Godly character in a pastor's life, as these qualities will directly impact their effectiveness in leading the church.
Red Flags
When a pastor claims anointing, or someone else claims it for him, to justify bad behavior, watch for:
- Excessive control and manipulation
- Disregard for others’ input and feedback
- A lack of transparency and accountability
- A focus on personal power, pride and prestige over serving others
- Unhealthy leadership
This is what true spiritual leaders are characterized by, with verses how Jesus demonstrates these qualities:
- Humility and servant leadership (Mark 10:18, John 13:13-17)
- Empowerment and accountability (Mark 16:15-20)
- Open communication and collaboration (John 15:15)
- A focus on serving others, rather than personal gain or prestige (Mark 10:45, John 13:3-5)
When pastors or other spiritual leaders claim divine excuses for their actions, it can lead to a culture of complacency and a lack of accountability within the church. Favorite verses of spiritual leaders when caught doing wrong are 1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15 KJV, they both read as, "Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." These passages are sometimes used to defend preachers from criticism.
Preachers who promote themselves or their ministries as “anointed” warn their would-be critics, “Do not touch God’s anointed!” Of course, this helps to insulate them from scrutiny and allows them to spread falsehood and bad theology unrestrained.
Nitoy Gonzales, in his article, "6 Reasons Why 'Touch Not the Anointed' Verses Are Not for Pastors" lists the reasons as:
- Because it’s taken out of context
- Because people who are anointed by God had a role within Israel
- Because anointing someone is a direct command by God
- Because some of the verses used, in context are about physical harm not criticism
- Because being anointed by God doesn’t exempt someone to be criticized, rebuked or corrected
- Never was this mentioned in the New Testament in regards with pastors
A full and detailed discussion of each is available in the Sources link below in the footnotes.
In conclusion, TV evangelists pastors and religious leaders must be held accountable for their actions and must not use divine excuses to justify sinful behavior or a lack of integrity. By setting a high standard of personal holiness and accountability, pastors can lead their congregations in a manner that honors God and promotes spiritual growth.
Sources:
