Manipulation

I have been watching The Vow on HBO about the NXIVM cult.  The amount of manipulation in this organization makes your head shake.  

I have witnessed a good deal of manipulation from Pastors and churches in my life.  The church that I grew up in insisted that they were the right denomination.  Believe like them if you want to be right.  Only members could take communion.  Don't ask questions.  God does it all, and we tell you what God is like and what God thinks.  There is no room for divergent opinions.

In my teen years I attended a church that "cast demons out of people" or whatever that was about.  I witnessed people being "slain in the Spirit" where the Pastor would push on your forehead and you would fall over on the floor.

Today I would like to say this.... God needs no manipulation to do his work.  You should never feel pressured to do anything.  A church asking is fine, but you should always have the freedom to not do whatever they are asking.  Your questions should be welcomed.  Your different views should be ok.  You should not have to check your brain at the door.

In healthy spirituality, your journey is yours.  Read, think, talk things over.  Find a place that fits you.  Flee from pressure, flee from coercion, and flee manipulation in any form.  And if you find yourself with people or pastors that act like they have no problems or are better than other people, run the other way as quickly as you can.

God does not need human pressure.  His Spirit works by love and grace.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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