Confronting the anointed.

Scripture Read: 1 Tim 5:19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses.

Application: This passages brings two truths that we would benefit to learn from. The first deals with a very unhealthy atmosphere that plagues the "clergy" even to this day.  "Thou shalt not attack the Lord's anointed"! This has been said by so many in the Pastorate when criticism is being given to them. Whether the criticism is valid or not, this response is usually motivated by self defense. This response has had very detrimental consequences. First, it exposes a extremely bad hermeneutic.  This quote comes from a verse that explains why David was refusing to raise his hand against King Saul, it is not about a believer criticizing or even attacking a Pastor. The scripture has plenty of teaching how to make an appeal to a person in an authority position, and how that person should respond. Pastors are not Kings and should be approachable by anyone. Second, it creates a thought that Pastors are the Lord's anointed and others are not! That is not scriptural, all that belong to Him are the anointed. Thirdly, this concept has communicated that Pastors are above criticism, even when it is true and needed. Again, this is not scriptural. 

All believers are to be open for growth, which includes constructive criticism. This includes Pastors. Of all believers, leaders should be open to rethinking who they are and what they are doing. This is modeling to the Body of Christ. The other truth that is communicated is the "balance" the Lord requires. Words must be established, especially when confronting leaders. It can not be a " he said" "she said" situation. There should be several together when a leader needs to be confronted. One or two individuals, that take neither side, that listen to each person during the confrontation, then the truth can be established. This protects the confronter, and the leader that is being confronted, AND most important it protects the truth. With witnesses to the confrontation the truth is established and that opens the door for a proper restoration. That is the desired end for any confrontation. If restoration is not the goal the Holy Spirit is not the leader of the confrontation.

Meditation Questions: Have you ever confronted someone? How did that feel? Has a leader ever made you feel like you were sinning by confronting him? What did you think of that? What do you think of when you hear the word “anointed” ? Why do you define it that way? What does the Bible say anointed means? What should the commitment be to each other as believers no matter our position or title? Explain your answer.