Sometimes you really do need to leave.

 

For far too long we’ve created a type of loyalty to titles and churches that is not in line with Jesus.

 

We’ve at times lifted leaders into some spiritual high place and often discerned a thing going awry but we’re afraid to speak up. While we should honor well God’s people, it does not mean we lack rights, and frankly, we should be honoring all of God’s people not a select few. The last shall become first and Christ speaks clearly against partiality.

 

Listen, Jesus is the one you must stay loyal to.

 

As co-heirs with Christ we align with His word and His ways. If we see abuse in our midst, a leading into theologies that negate the finished work of the cross, or sermons that denigrate the work of the Holy Spirit, you may need to go.

 

Sure, try to have some conversations. Get to the root of the matter. Make sure you’re understanding correctly things best you can. Use your voice to ask questions. But if there is not freedom to voice concerns, there is a dangerous problem. Church is not meant to be a prison but a family.

 

And there should be zero guilt if you go.

 

As a royal priest yourself you’ll need to choose the way of righteousness and sometimes that means you leave.

 

Just because you leave a certain church does not mean you have left The Church. It’s time we get a better understanding of what and who the church is. It’s also time we stop using guilt, manipulation, and control to keep people. This is never the way of Jesus but it is a form of witchcraft and spiritual abuse.

 

There are a lot of goodbyes in this walk with Christ but I fear in this day and age there ought to be many more.

 

Follow Jesus.

The End.