Trust the Deeds, not the Words

Jeremiah 7:1-16 “Do Not Trust in Lying Words”

Recently we were deceived by a couple who claimed to be pastors. Though they were self appointed, we trusted them because they used the “ministry” usual words that Christians leaders use. They had an independent church of about 80 people. On hindsight we should have asked why they had a high attrition rate among their members.  Or questioned the contradictory statements they made. Rather naively, we helped this couple with significant financial resources. We lost a lot of money and they put the blame on us by making all sorts of angry accusations. They even spread malicious rumors about us and our ministry. This made me ponder about what trust, especially among Christians, should look like. It is probably best to say that we should, against all instinct, observe the deeds of friends rather than their words. Words can deceive.

As we continue in Jeremiah 7, we come across some hard words from the Lord, spoken 2600 years ago, to his chosen people in Judah. And this is applicable to the people of God (church) today. He tells his people to amend their ways (7:3). That means he looked at their deeds. Why would he tell us that?

1. Because leaders would lie (7:4). “Do not trust in lying words, saying the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord”. This is what happens today. Lying leaders who want to control people have infiltrated the church. And they say, “We are the church, we are the church, we are church”. Sound familiar? Those of us who would like the church to stand for what the Bible says are asked to compromise with those who simply claim they are Christian. Beware “pastors”, “evangelists” and “healers” who make extravagant claims for their ministry. Observe their deeds to make sure that they are “walking with God and in the Word”
2. Because leaders would try to profit (7:8). God made serious accusations against leaders who seek to profit. They would degenerate to stealing, murder, adultery, lying, idolatry (7:9) and then come and stand before God to lead the congregation! (7:10). My experience showed how little regard these two “friends” who claimed to be pastors, had for the fact that I had lost so much money because of their lying words.

I believe that often we are blinded by two things about false teachers and leaders:

• We are reluctant to judge their words and actions, afraid to be branded unforgiving. This is the tool the two “pastors” used to prevent me from voicing concern. As I searched for answers after being cheated, I realized that to judge what a Christian says or does is not only biblical, it is essential. (Jude 3). We must confront these leaders by correcting them in love. Do you speak to your pastor if you feel something is amiss? Do not be a divisive person but constructive criticism, in love, is biblical.
• Secondly, we are reluctant to take action and warn others. This is probably my greatest regret – the damage done to younger believers. I had seen the way these “pastors” controlled their members, using direct prophecy and “God speaking through them”. They talked down and gossiped about almost everyone else. Later I found they had done the same about me. But by not warning others, I allowed this cycle of damage to be done to others. Those of less faith may even drop out of church. While we know that God holds believer in His hand, these members may not have the joyful life God wants them to have.

Beware Christian leaders who keep talking about their church (7:4), loving the sound of their own voice,  and subtly asking for money and controlling people (7:8). The genuine leader humbly goes about his work in Christ, and allows the Lord to lead and guide his ministry. All glory goes to God.

We are only as useful as how much we make ourselves available to God. As leaders in our home and church, are our words and actions consistent with God’s word?