Discerning a Spirit of Control/Manipulation

September 21 2011

“Discerning a Spirit of Control/Manipulation” ~Bishop Dennis Sanders

In the times that we live in we need to be educated on the things that we have to deal with as Pastor's.  So the following is just a little bit of what I've discovered concerning how to discern a spirit of control/manipulation.  I hope it speaks to you.

People who operate under a spirit of control & deception purposely create "soul ties" with people. It's for the sole purpose of putting a dependency upon them. Once they create this dependency then when they make their move to do something the "soul ties" are so strong that you follow their lead without realizing it. THEY become the dominate voice & dominate influence, even above God's Word without realizing it. When the "soul ties" are so strong, these people can then start saying "God revealed this to me" or "God showed me this about you"...and without taking it to the Word or even God for ourselves we immediately follow the dominate voice now in our lives. "They love me" we declare! "They're out for my welfare more than anybody else!" we say....but the one who created the "soul tie" WANTS that...so when words of control or deception are spoken we would never think that it's just to fulfill their own desires & agendas. 

These deceiving people KNOW what will gain entrance into people’s hearts...attention, flattery, gifts, affirmation to a gift that "nobody else appreciates", etc...Once entry is gained into the heart then the connection has begun. So when a loving Pastor, friend or even anointed Prophet of God speaks truth the "heart" (soul tie) cannot let go of the affections for the person. This is a STRONG stronghold!!!!

Once they got the "soul tie", then they will subtlety, not openly, but with subtlety, begin to share their disagreements with things in church leadership, other people’s lives or ministry...they wait to see the response...hoping that the soul tie is so strong that what "they're seeing from God" will open the deceived persons eyes to "their revelation".

Once they realize that the hook has been bitten and then they plan their strategy of "silent rebellion"...all under the guise of "this was all out of concern for your spiritual welfare to see what God has shown me".

That's the difference between a true Pastor/Shepherd and one operating under a spirit of control/manipulation...the Shepherd LEADS with truth from the Word and hopes that willful submission and obedience will follow...the manipulator/controller creates a dependency that manipulates the leading...and creates an emotional bond not based on obedience to Truth in the Word but their interpretation of God's will for yours.

And then, if you start to break free from this, there's guilt as to "how much they've done for you" and "been there for you"...the problem is that those bonds were not from a genuine heart to lead them into God's perfect will...it was to make you a pawn to their agenda...but being emotionally connected to the "soul tie" is used to their advantage. 

In a last ditch effort, if you are really breaking free from this, they will then begin the "God told me", or "God said this to me"...it will get more intense because they see you breaking away...false humility and maybe even gifts will be showered to "win you back over"...but it's not genuine.

If you really break free...all those promises of "I will love you forever” or "I got your back forever" will soon be a forgotten memory. You're no longer good for them anymore....the only reason why they might keep "checking up on you out of concern" is if they see glimmers of hope that someday in the future if you go through another emotional experience or get hurt by someone else, they will remind you, "See, I told you I would always be here for you and love you".

In Conclusion:

There's a reason why every writer of the New Testament gives warnings to God's people & to churches to be aware of wolves, false prophets, Jezebel's and self seeking workers in the church. It's because it's a reality that many of us don't want to have to acknowledge is there. But when God uses every N.T. writer to warn us there's a reason. These are perilous times my ministry friends. Heed God's warnings.

Jesus warns, Luke warns in Acts, Paul warns in his epistles, Peter warns in his epistles, James warns, John the beloved warns, Jude warns and Jesus sternly warns again in Revelation. There's a reason why every single writer warns the church and God's people.

 This is not to be negative...it's simply to state a fact. "be sober & vigilant...beware of false prophets...even satan transforms into an angel of light...false prophets will produce lying signs & wonders where if it were possible even the very elect will be deceived...beware of wolves in sheeps clothing where outwardly they blend in but inwardly there are ravenous wolves...forbid Jezebel who calls herself a prophetess to teach in the church...over, and over and over we are warned. Don't be shocked if you see it.

 Just thank the Lord that His Word prepared us for it.

This is the sobering reality as a Pastor in the church. Believe me, I wish it was all "love fests and crying parties around camp fires" but the sad, sad, sad, sad reality for the life of a Shepherd is to be sober and protect God's flock. For that, I shall answer to God and not man over.

 EVERY SINGLE PERSON ON HERE IN MINISTRY needs to always be sober & vigilant...because it's when the watchman's sleep that the gates of the city are torn down, destroyed and entered in.

 There's a huge target on the church and God's leaders.

Blessings,  Bishop Dennis Sanders