SOME SYMPTOMS OF UNHEALTHY CHURCHES
"When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel..."
Galatians 2:14The true practice of the gospel taught by servants of God brings relief, rest, and refreshment to the believing soul;
While the traitorous practice of the gospel taught by fleshly men produces discouragement (from inability to perform), despair (from continued failure) and deceptive burdens (from standards required to "do enough to appease God").
The focus and purpose of the christian taught by healthy christian leaders leads to joy, hope, and praise through personal and intimate empowerment of their very near Savior;
Where the goal and ambition of unhealthily church leaders leads believers deceptively to reliance upon traditions set by men, through codependent guidance on the main spiritual authority - the leader or leaders with "special revelation" to seek their own importance and "mission" which is accomplished through subtly breaking down their group to reverent and fearful submission.
In churches led by The Spirit, grace is received and offered to all. Respect is expected toward all. And love becomes a by-product of truth taught and lived out.
However, in churches controlled by men, love is earned by compliance. Respect is sought through sacrificial service to its own causes and promotion. And a person's value is very much dependent on their performance and usefulness to its gain.
