People are imperfect. They have their own agendas and fears and goals. I have heard many horror stories of authoritarian pastors damaging people’s faith as they abused "their" authority. Some have told their people that God doesn't speak today nor does He give dreams or do miracles. I even had one young lady in my class who was told by a prophet who she had to marry! One person who spoke to me had quit journaling because his pastor told him God wasn't speaking. Wow! We know what Jesus' thoughts are about those who damage a child's faith (Matt. 18:6 - better to be drowned).  

"I don’t mind submitting to God, Who is perfect, but to submit to people? No way! I wouldn’t submit my life to the counsel of any other person. It is my life and I am to take control and responsibility for it. Besides, others do not understand me well enough to have that kind of authority in my life. People are imperfect." I used to believe the lie that I should not trust the counsel of others.

Do you judge people for coming down with illnesses like cancer or heart disease, or even the flu? You understand that these are things that no one wants, and avoids as much as they can, and so you offer sympathy rather than judgment. Are you willing to extend the same degree of grace to those with mental illness? This can make people socially awkward and do annoying things that drive people away, but is judgment justified if the condition is beyond the persons control, or even if it is within their control?

Do you take physical fitness seriously? Everyone knows how to attain strength and stamina, but it takes discipline, intention, and persistence to get results. Good intentions are more prevalent than good results. Is godliness more profitable than bodily exercise? You could think of this as spiritual fitness. Is the path to obtain this as obvious as it is for physical fitness? Do you think it also requires discipline, intention, and persistence? What exercises or practices would you choose to obtain it? Do you know people who are spiritually fit? How did they get that way?

Have you heard that whatever doesn’t kill you will make you stronger? This isn’t true. There are things that will make you weaker even if you survive them. But it is true that adversity is necessary for development. You gain strength physically by exertion, and you gain strength in other ways by overcoming. This process works better if it is intentional and directed, and so you have coaches and teachers and trainers to guide you. Do you see me as performing this role in your life? You know that fathers chasten their sons and my chastening of you is evidence of my acceptance of you.