Spiritual leaders embracing evil

The condition of the nation is generally a reflection of the condition of the leaders and people within that nation's churches. As the church, particularly within our nation, we are supposed to be the salt and light throughout the nation. By definition, salt cures, preserves, heals, and enhances. Further, light gives direction, it illuminates and brings truth to the fore.

The question now is: If the church leaders and members ought to be bringing healing, preservation, direction, and illumination to others; and in light of all that is transpiring within the nation today, how is the church accomplishing its functions as salt and light?

Today, as the scriptures say: "There is an evil I have seen under the sun, as an error proceeding from the ruler: folly is set in great dignity, while the rich sit in a lowly place. I have seen servants on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants." (Ecclesiastes 10: 5-7)

This is exactly what is happening with regard to the church leaders and members - they are allowing themselves to be led into corruption without realising that from corrupt power comes corrupt appointments.

God is not pleased with many of the religious leaders in Jamaica; especially those who have experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit and have not exemplified spirit-led qualities.

But, instead, are moving according to their own agenda to please the people so as to maintain numbers and be able to compete with each other. This while the devil has complete access to every organisation representing the various sectors. They are not in the position to lead the nation in order to please God; but rather following others and being swept away by the enemies' tricks.

The Holy Spirit is now seeking leaders to use in order to bring positive change to the nation - but many have blocked Him out of the church because of pride or fear, or even for monetary benefit. Integrity is gone and, therefore, for God's truth, they became silent. They are no longer able to discern times and seasons. Because of compromise, they are now embracing evil. They are the ones who should be leading the nation in truth and righteousness and allow God's power to be revealed. Instead, they have fallen away in the Babylonian system.

The Church should lead

It is the Church that should be leading marches around the country against pedophilia, rape, murder, and witchcraft; poor management by both political parties, child abuse, and bad parenting.

In light of the continual divestment of the nation's assets, laws that are being passed that open the door to many other imbalances and corrupt practices, why is the Church silent? As the churches of the nation show less and less backbone, there is more spiritual depravity rearing its head, and that has caused the gunmen, the don men and politicians to be the strongholds of the people - Christians or not!

This, while, the children are dying spiritually and naturally.

Very few mentors with integrity and humility are edifying them on how they can carry out God's purpose. Instead, they are being controlled and manipulated by big speeches and vain words. As a result, the youth are now turning from God and toward practices of all kinds.

Look at how many 'church men' have access to government officials, who, in turn, are on church boards, and to date, there is no significant change that is positively affecting the nation!

Many churches are aware of the problems both spiritually and naturally and they are silent. Every church leader should be reminded of the stories of Eliand Saul and what compromise can bring. They must be careful not to be rejected and cause the presence of God to leave the nation. They must also remember that God rejected Saul but he still served for 15 more years so they can't be comfortable where they are! All Saul was concerned about was his image in the sight of the people.

I guarantee that if the churches within this nation do not wake up - especially those who embrace and engage in the speaking of tongues - many of them will lose their edifices, serious taxes will be levied against them, zoning will be the order of the day and there will be other stringent measures in place to cause them to lose their religious freedoms that currently exist. If all this takes place, pretty soon it will be illegal to walk around freely with the Bible in our hands. Even the criteria of who can be a pastor will soon be changed.

The Church leaders of this nation really need to ask the question - 'What time is it?'

- Steve Lyston is a biblical economics consultant and author of several books, including 'End Time Finance' and 'The New Millionaire'.