Admiring God, or the preacher?

Many people admire preachers for their knowledge and the revelations they share about the Kingdom of GOD. It is natural to respect those who teach us, especially when they seem to have deep insight into SCRIPTURE. Yet, this admiration can sometimes shift focus away from the true source of all revelation - GOD HIMSELF. Instead of exalting preachers, we should direct our hearts to GOD, who wrote the scriptures and whose SPIRIT reveals truth to us. This post explores why spiritual growth depends on spending time with GOD, how lack of knowledge leads to spiritual weakness, and how we can mature in our walk with CHRIST to become teachers ourselves.

Why People Admire Preachers

Preachers often receive admiration because they share knowledge and revelations that many have not yet discovered for themselves. This admiration is understandable - after all, not everyone spends time daily in the WORD or in prayer. When people lack personal time with GOD, they rely heavily on those who do. Hosea 4:6 (NLT) warns us, “My people are being destroyed because they don’t know me.” This lack of knowledge is not just ignorance but a spiritual setback that leaves believers vulnerable.

When followers admire preachers more than GOD, they risk placing human teachers on a pedestal. This can lead to dependence on others for spiritual insight rather than seeking GOD directly. Preachers themselves should be careful not to enjoy this admiration but instead continually point their followers to CHRIST, the true source of life and wisdom.

The Importance of Spending Time with GOD

Spiritual growth requires personal time with GOD. This means reading the scriptures, praying, and listening to the HOLY SPIRIT. When we do this, we receive direct revelation from GOD, which builds our faith and understanding. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT) says, “All Scripture is inspired by GOD and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. GOD uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.”

By spending time with GOD, we grow in maturity and become equipped to teach others. This is the goal of every believer - to move from spiritual infancy to maturity, able to share GOD’s truth with confidence.

The Enemy’s Strategy to Keep Us Weak

The enemy works hard to keep us away from GOD’s reality and plan for our lives. One of the most effective ways to do this is by keeping us from knowledge and understanding. Without knowledge, we remain powerless and weak. My book Virtual Reality - The Weapons of Mass Destruction (available HERE) explores this spiritual battle in depth. It reveals how the enemy uses deception to trap believers in a false reality, preventing them from experiencing the fullness of GOD’s Kingdom.

When we lack knowledge, we cannot stand firm against spiritual attacks. Ephesians 6:10-11 (NLT) urges us, “Be strong in the LORD and in his mighty power. Put on all of GOD’s armour so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” The armour of GOD includes truth, righteousness, faith, and the WORD of GOD - all of which come from spending time with HIM.

How to Grow Spiritually and Teach Others

Growing spiritually is a process that requires intentional effort. Here are practical steps to help you mature in your walk with GOD and become a teacher of others:

• Daily Bible Reading: Make time every day to read and meditate on the scriptures. Let GOD’s WORD shape your thoughts and actions.

• Prayer and Listening: Spend time in prayer, not just talking but also listening for GOD’s guidance through the HOLY SPIRIT.

• Apply What You Learn: Put GOD’s teachings into practice in your daily life. Spiritual growth happens when knowledge leads to action.

• Seek Fellowship: Surround yourself with other believers who encourage your growth and hold you accountable.

• Teach What You Know: Start sharing GOD’s truth with others, even in small ways. Teaching helps solidify your understanding and blesses others.

  
  

As you grow, remember that your goal is to point others to CHRIST, not to yourself. Preachers who understand this humility become powerful vessels for GOD’s kingdom.

The Reward of Maturity in CHRIST

Maturity in CHRIST brings freedom, power, and purpose. When you know GOD personally and understand HIS WORD, you are no longer a spiritual child who is easily swayed. You become a strong believer who can stand firm and help others grow.

Colossians 1:28-29 (NLT) says, “We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all the wisdom that the SPIRIT gives. We want to present everyone fully mature in CHRIST. To this end I work and struggle, using the mighty power that CHRIST gives me.” This maturity is the goal for every believer and the foundation for effective ministry.

Spending time with GOD is the key to spiritual growth and maturity. Admiring preachers is natural, but our ultimate admiration must be for GOD, who reveals truth and empowers us through HIS SPIRIT. The enemy tries to keep us weak by hiding GOD’s reality from us, but we can overcome by seeking knowledge and understanding in GOD’s WORD.

Take the next step today: commit to spending more time with GOD, dive into HIS scriptures, and let the HOLY SPIRIT guide you. As you grow, you will become a source of light and truth for others, reflecting the glory of CHRIST in your life.

Explore Virtual Reality - The Weapons of Mass Destruction in our shop to learn more about spiritual warfare and how to stand strong in GOD’s power. Your journey to maturity and effective teaching starts with a single step toward GOD’s WORD.