“Dimension” and “atmosphere” are among the MOG’s (Man Of God) favorite words—used to describe the latest “outpouring” and to subtly pressure you into “praying harder” in pursuit of yet another, even higher level of spiritual experience. Nowhere in the Bible are there descriptions of “levels” in prayer or of “new dimensions” with God. These terms are employed by MOGs to keep you chasing an emotional high. This is a dangerous place to be, as it reduces us to puppets—distracted by emotions, experience, and expectations rather than engaging in genuine communion with God. ...

The Shepherd of God is intrinsically tied to the authority & mouthpiece of God descriptors we examined earlier. This concept is often embellished to portray the MOG (Man Of God) as tender-hearted, gentle, and ever-present to protect you—guarding the church’s gates against Satan. In reality, once we enter the MOG’s pen as would-be believers, we indeed become sheep—“the sheep of man.” Rather than being properly nourished, we are fattened and stored for the wolf who masquerades in sheep’s clothing. Our purpose becomes shackled to feed the pride, arrogance, and greed of the MOG. Any sheep that dares to break free from this prison is chained by the fear of being devoured for disobeying the so-called “good shepherd.” ...

The MOG (Man Of God), along with the systems he carefully constructs around himself, enforces a performance-based, works-centered, and outwardly observable expression of faith. This of course is intertwined with the prior examinations—since the MOG is perceived as being the “closest” to God, he assumes the authority to determine whether you are doing “enough” in God’s eyes. In reality, however, this measurement is based solely on his own expectations. This concept is the fuel that burns believers; the processor which tears through volunteers. Forever promising, never arriving—congregants will be used until they have no more to give; at which point they will be rung entirely dry and tossed to the side as a filthy rag where they are ’tossed a bone’ on occasion through empty praise of “dedication”. ...

Matthew 23:1-12 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. ...

Lastly, I wish to briefly address the fanaticism commonly observed among MOGs when they apply military terms and concepts to the church. You’ll notice the prayer room re-branded as “the war room,” the ladies’ ministry renamed “warriors of faith,” the men’s ministry compared to “Seal Team 6,” and leadership classes modeled after various military branches to project an image of rigidity and order. These militaristic ideas are often backed by references to “the armor of God” and numerous Old Testament descriptions of warfare. ...

God loves you unconditionally. He has walked with you through every hurt—every moment when you didn’t feel His presence, every time you experienced shame or condemnation, every instance you blamed yourself for doubting the teachings you’d heard, every time you ignored Him, went through the motions, or pretended that everything was okay on the outside. He has been with you through it all; and He will continue to be with you. ...

Taking us back to where we began—Jesus’ teachings in Matthew Chapters 5–7. In Matthew 7, Jesus first instructs us not to judge others, for the measure we use will be the measure God uses for us. Therefore, approach your personal application of God’s Word with grace, humility, love, and truth. If you have been under the influence of a MOG for a significant period, it may be important to consider when you last had an honest conversation with God. Begin by removing the log from your own eye, the only proper way to do so is through Christ Jesus—not through any man or precept of man. ...