It is unfortunate that many Christians feel that their pastor, priest, prophet, or teacher stands between them and God. (John 14:6) They are under the delusion that they must always agree with the opinions and teachings of those who exercise religious authority. We often act as if these leaders have power and authority over our relationship with Jesus and that having a different opinion will push us away from Christ – or worse, keep us out of heaven. This is simply not true. (Matthew 10:41-42) Believing in lies and false teachings pushes us away from Jesus and believing in the truth brings us closer to Him. (John 8:32) Inheritors of the Christian faith are obligated to develop a sound mind, judge righteous judgement, and to work out their own salvation with fear and trembling before God. (Philippians 2:12) Your relationship with Jesus is solely between you and Him, and you alone will reap the consequences. 

Jesus did not say come unto me through your pastor, priest, prophet, or teacher. Jesus said come unto me and follow me. (Matthew 11:28-30) Don’t misunderstand: God’s messengers play an important role. Inasmuch as the Lord inspires and speaks His words through holy men and women – listen and obey, because Jesus is speaking to you through them. If you are humble, and pray for discernment, the Holy Spirit will testify to you when religious leaders are speaking the word of the Lord. (1 John 4:1-6)

Just because someone holds a prestigious ecclesiastical position doesn’t mean that person can hear God better than you, and it's a poor indicator of righteousness. (Mathew 7:15) Some of those closest to Jesus will never address an audience from behind a pulpit. The children of the kingdom have the capacity to become like their father. As they serve in the kingdom they become like their father. Those who seek to do the will of Jesus Christ will hear His voice more than those who do their own will. (Jeremiah 29:13) Pastors, prophets, priests and teachers are called to point out the way to Jesus. They often hear God better than most because they are seeking to listen to Him. But they are mortal just like you and me. They too are working out their own salvation with fear and trembling before God. They too are tempted and give in to temptation from time to time. (Romans 3:23)

It’s time to unshackle your mind from the delusion that someone stands between you and Christ. It is your responsibility to verify the words of your religious leaders through the Holy Spirit as true or false before adopting their beliefs. You will not spiritually progress quicker than you ascertain and learn to abide by the truths of God – and there is much to learn. You will not hear everything you need to know from the messengers of Jesus. At some point you must be taught by the Holy Spirit. Your relationship with Christ is your responsibility. If you want to please Jesus then seek Him directly and do His will. 

Christ is calling you saying, come unto me and I will give you rest. Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you. Seek me and you will find me. There is no limit to how strong your relationship with Jesus Christ can grow, but it's up to you to sanctify yourself and seek Him. Have you found Christ? Can you discern the Holy Spirit speaking to you during the day? Does the Holy Spirit teach you through dreams and visions? There is no better way to strengthen your relationship with Jesus than by doing what he asked Peter to do on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus said, “feed my sheep”. (John 21:15-17) Join God in giving love and service to His children, and your connection with Jesus will grow.

Let's Be Christians!