The word ‘Pastor’ was allergic to a girl studying in a college. She and her brother were against anything that was connected to Pastor. After inquiry, it was found that their father was a pastor, who abandoned his wife and children, lived with another woman, and also lost his ministry. Sadly, more and more reports about pastors failing in their family life and ministry keep coming regularly. “For the shepherds are stupid and do not inquire of the Lord; therefore they have not prospered, and all their flock is scattered.” (Jeremiah 10:21)
Stupid spiritually: Godliness is the mark of a Christian leader. This means: Having an intimate walk with God, and wisdom by meditating on the scripture, praying fervently, and discerning the times with the Holy Spirit.
Stupid morally: When Godliness is missing, there would be moral lapses. By being blinded by power and pride, such leaders indulge in immorality without any shame. It could be immoral relationships, dishonesty in finance, and dereliction of the call of the ministry.
Stupid mind: Satan blinds the mind of sinners. (II Corinthians 4:4) When believers are not vigilant to renew their minds daily by meditating on the Word of God and staying away from trends and traditions of the world, they become stupid. (Romans 12:2) Because they lose the capacity to discern and do the Will of God.
Dull-hearted: Stupid shepherds also become dull-hearted, not hard-hearted. They become insensitive to others. They are conscious that they should respond as shepherds but do not have the inner strength and stamina to respond. Since they ignored the Spirit of God, they do not have the spiritual strength to do ministry.
Failure to Inquire of the Lord: Prayerlessness leads to powerlessness. Praising and worshipping the Lord becomes a mundane, mechanical effort. There is no joy in praise and worship. Hence, being grateful is not an attitude and habit. Intercession is a forgotten aspect of ministry.
Scatter: The result is scattering and not the gathering of the sheep. Many simple people are deceived and destroyed.
Am I stupid and dull-hearted? Reflect and Repent.