The Shepherd's Heart

“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.”

These words, made famous in The Wizard of Oz, reveal more than a cinematic moment, they expose a timeless truth: deception often hides behind impressive displays and facades. Sound, lights, stage, titles, and charisma can distract from what is really happening behind the scenes.

A season is upon us where what has been hidden will be revealed. There are ministries built not on humility, but on selfish ambition. Platforms constructed not for God’s glory, but for personal recognition. Influence employed not to serve, but to control. And like the wizard, some have learned to project power and influence publicly while concealing manipulative behavior privately.

I’m hearing more and more “Pay No Attention…” coming from our pulpits while applause is drowning it out.

I sound an alarm…

Do not be impressed by what is merely projected, discern what is being concealed. And in this hour, there will be voices that are loud, influential and persuasive but please “PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS BEHIND THE CURTAIN!”

Dear Lord… may we discern selfish ambition, for it is subtle in ministry. It can disguise itself as vision, excellence, or even a “blessed” increase. But at it’s core there is a need to be seen rather than a desire to serve. People are controlled instead of being empowered. There are hidden agendas of competition with a facade of collaboration. Where public image is more important than private integrity.

I sound an alarm…

Where selfish ambition rules, God’s presence eventually withdraws. When man puts his hand to personally possess what is God’s, God will remove His. The applause and adoration of the masses is the dopamine driving pastors to its’s addiction. One that prestige and fame become their banner. God’s glory will not be found in the same company.

Dear Lord… may we discern manipulation in ministry, for most often it hides behind spiritual language. It can be declared as a “prophetic word” but truly only be pastoral pressure for personal gain. It likes to masks itself as a “spiritual covering” only to religiously control the parishioners. Manipulation has an anthem it plays when exposure is imminent, it’s called “unity”. And for unity’s sake, please remain silent.

I sound an alarm…

A season of exposure is upon us. Christ is readying His bride. God is not only exposing ministers, He is purifying His Church. What is built on the pride of men will be shaken. What is built on His truth will remain. Do not fear exposure, fear deception.

Dear Pastors… pray that you may steward well what God is doing rather than merely asking Him to bless what it is you want to do. Please don’t be so addicted to vision achievement that you use people as equipment. At this point, you have become a hireling focused more on the size of your platform which results in neglecting the health of your pasture.
Stay watchful. Stay humble. Stay true.

“For nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, nor concealed that will not be known and brought to light.” — Luke 8:17