THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM GREGG JOHNSON'S LATEST BOOK, "HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN." FOR MORE INFO, CLICK HERE. Then Amnon said to Tamar his sister, ‘Bring the food into the bedroom.’ And Tamar took the cakes which she had made, and brought them to Amnon her brother in the bedroom. Now when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, ‘Come, lie with me, my sister’” (2 Samuel 13:6-11). Tamar was Amnon’s sister. He should have loved her as a brother and protected her well-being, but instead he allowed lust to consume him and he abused her sexually. It is a tragedy that, unfortunately, is played out again and again in the church community between brothers and sisters in Christ. Leaders must recognize the dangers of developing a spiritual intimacy or "soul ties" with those of the opposite sex in church and ministry situations. I call it “Spiritual Adultery.” It's when one allows himself or herself to become more spiritually intimate and inappropriately attached to someone other than their own spouse. As stated, Genesis 2:24 instructs a man to be joined to his wife. Not only is this a “joining” in the physical and emotional sense, it also refers to their being joined spiritually. Husbands are to be joined, or cleave, to their wives spiritually. They are to pray together, to minister together, to identify prophetically together. Unfortunately, there are some men and women who are cleaving spiritually to others of the opposite sex and not their own spouses. In essence, they are committing “spiritual adultery.” What is “spiritual adultery?” It is when you seem to “connect” more “in the spirit” with some other man or woman. Maybe you have certain spiritual gifts—you are a prophet, an intercessor, a worship leader and this other person shares your same gifts and spiritual passions. The two of you seem so plugged into each other spiritually. But your spouse, (sarcastically) just isn’t on the “same level” as you are spiritually. You try to tell your husband or wife what you are seeing prophetically, or what God showed you in a dream, or in prayer—and all your spouse seems to talk about is what's wrong with your relationship, your attitude, your character and what's wrong with you. Your husband or wife just isn’t spiritual. But that brother or sister in the church understands. She is in tune with what God is doing in you. He understands the prophetic word, or the “dream God gave you.” She has the same burdens, the same insights. He prays for the same things and sees the same things—it is like God has given him or her to you as a “spiritual soul mate.” Ridiculous! There is only one man or woman you are to be joined with: the one you married. Spiritual adultery occurs by joining yourself to another and being more spiritually intimate with that person rather than your husband or wife. Brother, if you are spiritually plugged into another woman and not your wife, you are in danger and you need to repent. Sister, you better stop praying with that man and go home and pray with your husband. Sir, stop prophesying to that woman and start prophesying to your wife, talking to your wife, and interceding with your wife. Why? Because most adultery does not begin with a sexual encounter, most adultery begins at the spiritual and emotional level. It is also important to note that most adultery committed by pastors and church leaders does not occur with a prostitute, or a stranger in a one night stand; most adultery occurs with parishioners in the church. As noted from the above survey, among the respondent pastors who committed adultery, 69 percent came from within their own congregations, including 17 percent who were counselees. It is also interesting to note that most men and women never intended to have an affair. They never expected, or began a relationship with the plan for it to end in adultery. Affairs occur because they allow themselves to be drawn into emotional, spiritual relationships with that persona that they should be having with their spouse. If you are committing spiritual or emotional adultery, you must end that relationship immediately! Stop talking to that person, stop visiting that person, stop calling him or her—erase their number from your cell phone. If you happen to be in the same ministry as that person, quit it immediately. If you are a pastor and he or she is in your church, you need to pull back completely. Keep your greetings short and sharp and withdraw from everything that encourages an emotional or spiritual intimacy between you. Be firm and decisive! You don’t need to explain it to the tempter. You don’t need to have a meeting and tell him or her why you are pulling back. Don’t feel like she is entitled to an explanation; you don’t owe her anything, nor are you obligated to say anything more to her. The only one you are obligated to is your own spouse. So cut if off. No more conversations, no more prayer meetings, no more interaction whatsoever. “But what if he gets offended and leaves the church?” For your sake, the sake of your family, the sake of the church—and for his sake—that is probably the best thing.
EV.JACINTA
11/5/2013 08:08:02 am
thanks pastor 4 ur advice it is just like that many might men and women of GOD have follen coz of lust of flesh and i.ll follow ur instruction in the Lord to keep of all unuseful nombers in my phone please pray with me am planning to open a church coming year God willing and i please request u mission church to partner with me in this project.am a musician here in kenya and evegelist u.ve being coming to our church NGCI but now the Lord gives me pressure to open a branch of my own name he gave me i need a office people have being asking me of my office and i dont have i need ur support please thanks 4 the magazine best regards waiting to hear from u gdnite GOD bless u. 1/9/2015 04:13:22 pm
I wish you all good luck for your coming blogs and posts. 7/7/2015 11:26:48 pm
Your site is great and that i actually recognize you and hoping for a few more handy posts.maintain writing 12/17/2015 09:36:07 pm
I will share this precious post to my friends. 12/27/2015 07:27:30 pm
Spiritual concepts and phenomenon of the lives are ascertained and implemented. Its scope and scale is wide enough and inclusive for the transformations and alterations. It is injected for the life of the strength and solid realm. 6/14/2016 07:36:26 am
impressive post I love this kind of amazing posting. 9/21/2016 12:29:01 am
Thanks For Sharing Information I appreciate that you it is realy very great post I Appreciate That Thank You 1/5/2017 05:38:25 am
Digital Paanda provide advanced Google Analytics Course Training by Google Certified trainers with live projects. Weekdays and Weekend classes are available. 3/1/2017 04:36:29 am
Logon to office.com/setup Get step by step instrutions to Setup Microsoft Office 365, Install Microsoft Office, office.com/setup, www office com setup, office.com setup with Key. 4/27/2017 09:58:31 am
It is situated beside Hotel of Delhi NCR. The most prominent landmark of this Any where hotel Point http://www.sunainamittal.com/ 5/5/2017 04:11:51 am
Everyone want learn c programming language, every students can learn c programming language from this site.. 6/21/2017 08:22:47 am
Calangute escorts agency offer service in Calangute, Colva and Condolim our hottest decision women for enjoyable and offer full satisfaction with final freelance feminine escorts in Calangute 6/21/2017 08:23:42 am
Calangute escorts agency offer service in Calangute, Colva and Condolim our hottest decision women for enjoyable and offer full satisfaction with final freelance feminine escorts in Calangute 6/21/2017 08:24:12 am
Agents are became inescapable thing in every escort deals in Candolim . They are taking away that chief portion of the payment that made by the customers. 6/21/2017 08:27:26 am
I establish a very good gym to preserve my body shape and give strength to my body and soul for every one and every situation in Colva. Whenever you connect me just disclose your prospect and requirements so I can organize for that. 6/21/2017 08:28:09 am
There is no one without dream of spending mind blowing time with a very hot escort girl in the town. There are hundreds of obstacles are previously standing in front of this dream and those factors made it an uneasy aim 6/21/2017 08:29:39 am
I am busty, mature and gorgeous female independent escorts in Margao. I especially present my customers a unique and memorable escort service. I am a right and great friend for you and always fit for any occasion 6/21/2017 08:30:39 am
Your good-looking Vasco-da-gama Escorts companion gives you a absolute tour of the Goa city. You can boast off your sexy and flawlessly stunning associate in your dinners or parties that you attend in Vasco-da-gama. 6/21/2017 08:31:24 am
Ahmedabad is a standout between the most international cities in the India and explorers from around the world visit for business, delight and for shopping. Ahmedabad is only the place to welcome 6/21/2017 08:35:28 am
Our extreme Companions are obvious for their longing to make this their own specific chosen calling, their require 6/21/2017 08:36:10 am
essentially Hinjewadi is located in the south part of India and this is the the majority gorgeous and most significant part of India populace come here for their jobs and study 6/24/2017 11:05:23 am
7/23/2017 06:44:43 am
Jiya Roy is a high class luxury and premium escorts agency in Gurgaon offering sexy independent escort Girls, models and cheap rate call girls for incalls and outcalls and travel arrangements. Female companions available 24/7 for business events, tour guide and much more. 7/28/2017 04:00:41 am
We supply each kind of services that are escort in Ludhiana - OUTCALLS and INCALLS. When you yourself have a I will trip to anyone. To my accommodation should you choose have no hotel you can certainly come about the additional method whenever 24x7 8/5/2017 02:55:17 pm
I can do for you and be arranged to meet for a one-on-one uncover. I am an energetic 8/14/2017 11:38:54 pm
Great information on this post and all the details are in this post is awesome. 9/6/2017 03:53:25 am
Beauti Queen amazing kolkata escorts agency alwyas ready for you at your doorstep. Beauti Queen provide you high profile independent girl in kolkata, escorts service in kolkata, kolkata escorts. If you are looking for the ultimate encounter in Kolkata then I am your sophisticated young Kolkata escorts that provides upscale companionship for making your night becomes true. 9/9/2017 03:33:14 am
Thanks a lot admin and sorry permission share in here 9/17/2017 05:58:28 pm
Gurgaon escort includes mostly good looking girls who are here to impress the clients and make 11/30/2017 11:15:06 pm
GF offers independent Hyderabad escorts services of premium quality. Hire erotic escorts in Hyderabad and sexy Hyderabad independent escorts. 11/30/2017 11:15:26 pm
Call Now Independent Ahmedabad Escorts 50% Off With ANAL Unlimited Shots. Book sexiest celebrity call girls in Ahmedabad. VIP female escort 11/30/2017 11:15:47 pm
Pink Girl is a 'Goa escorts' Call girl, she is accessible for all scort of Call young ladies dating and fun. To book her sexual escort 11/30/2017 11:16:06 pm
For high profile escort service in Bangalore contact us directly. Our Escorts Bangalore are also as similar as your girlfriend and wife in the matter 11/30/2017 11:16:48 pm
Hyderabad Escorts Services for VIP Customers Kalpana Hyderabad Model Escort These escort girls are remarkably skilled and classy in the matter of providing the best service to their person elite and values client. 11/30/2017 11:18:00 pm
Call Reewa for independent high profile female escorts services in Bangalore, Our Bangalore model VIP escort agency is related with GFE. 11/30/2017 11:18:21 pm
Bangalore Independent Escorts I am a very stylish girl who loves to dress up and I respect the outfits I wear I am a very attractive girl Comments are closed.
|
Archives
February 2023
Categories
All
It was concerning King Saul that David said, “How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished.” His was a life that began with great promise and celebration, but ended in miserable failure and humiliation. His life is an example of how the mightiest of leaders fail.
Why do great men and women fall? How do leaders, quick to ascend with such promise of unparalleled success, find themselves awash in disastrous failure and disgrace? More importantly, can the path toward one’s downfall be discerned before it’s too late and be avoided? It is the premise of my newest book, How The Mighty Have Fallen that such a decline can be detected and reversed. The life and leadership career of King Saul, Israel's first king, provides us with a treasury of examples of "what not to do." The below blog post is the first in series of excerpts from the book to examine and avoid Saul's mistakes and find a successful path through leadership. READ AN EXCERPT |