“Don’t Drink The Kool-Aid!”
“Gurus, Groupies, And Gullibility”, from the book, “Qualified”, was the subject taught in our Leadership Class. A quote from the book: “Spiritual leaders do not cultivate a dependency in others upon themselves; they teach others to think biblically and to rely upon the Holy Spirit.”
People (groupies) will blindly follow leaders (gurus) just so they can be a part of the publicity or hype and will accept whatever they are teaching. Gullibility may also play a part. When it comes to your spiritual wellbeing, know your Bible. The Word is Truth! Be prepared to walk away from anyone involved in false teachings.
The Bible is the only book that will “fact check” Itself. Every Scripture in the Bible, whether the Old Testament or the New Testament, has at least one or more Scriptures that can be cross-referenced for confirmation and a better understanding. The Bible has been written in several different transliterations – different words with the same meaning.
1 John 4:1 (NIV) “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
“Don’t drink the Kool-Aid!”
This metaphor was spawned after the Jonestown Massacre, November 18, 1978. Jim Jones, an evangelist turned cult leader and self-proclaimed messiah of the Peoples Temple, led more than 900 men, women, and children to their deaths in a mass suicide with cyanide laced punch. Gullibility? Jim Jones was perhaps very charismatic, persuasive, and authoritative.
Your knowledge of the Word – obedience to the word – and your discernment is key – it is critical. Use your God given ability of logic and reason to discern the truth. Again, know the Word! When you doubt what is being taught – research the Scriptures. Pray! Let the Holy Spirit lead you! Don’t get caught up!
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Blessings!
Solomon Temple Ministries International – Blogger – Othella Hill-Jordan