Satan is out to do everything he can to stop the progress of God's church. He is always releasing a barrage of strategies to thwart God's plans and purposes that God wants accomplished through His people.
A recent strategy I've seen is that he has released an army of “fault-finding demons” into the church. The devil influences people to express his views, consequently, the fault-finder spirit is designed to assault relationships on all levels. It entices the body of Christ with perfection—
- It attacks families, churches, friendships and associations—bringing irreparable disunity.
- It masks itself as discernment, but unleashes judgment and a critical spirit.
- It is an accusing spirit that whispers.
- It’s gossip throughout the church, stimulating fear and suspicion among God’s people.
Pastor,
If you’re experiencing this, you mustn’t bury your head in the sand. The enemy’s assault is to discredit you, the minister, and to discredit your message. As Christians we must understand the devil’s deceptions.
These fault-finding crusaders are often seen as spiritually superior, as if their findings of the imperfections of the church or the pastor is something new. The truth is, we were able to find something wrong with the church and each other even before we were believers.
Christ-like maturity is measured by what we do with what we see, what we do with what we hear or know.
Jesus saw the imperfections of humanity and emptied Himself, taking on the form of a bondservant. He humbled Himself, by becoming obedient to death, even the death of the cross. [Philippians 2:7-8]
Do you see how Jesus responded to our imperfections?
He did not judge humanity--He died for humanity, to take away our sins.
Yes, even Jesus could not satisfy the “standards of perfection” set by the Pharisees (religious), the ones who found fault with Him. (You will find fault-finding is always a primary characteristic of a religious spirit.)
When friends become distant…
Relationships are ending…
And the vision of your church is put on hold indefinitely…
These “fault-finding demons” are assaulting the body of Christ you’re ministering to. This spirit criticizes under the pretense of protecting sheep from what they consider an error in doctrine or a lack of a move of God. The spirit’s motive is to destroy—not heal, to tear down—not restore.
Jesus said, "My sheep know my voice and a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him." [John 10:4-5]
Remember, if a word does not restore or heal, it is not the voice of your shepherd. If you are truly Christ’s sheep, you will flee from it.
Pastors,
Read James 4:11-12.
Teach your people these truths. For further information, please contact me at: info@believersway.com.