@VictoryinJesus
Dictators in the nations of men make the rules for other people and the worst dictators will use as much force they deem necessary to accomplish his [the dictator's] own purposes. That is not a good thing for even a benevolent dictator with the best of intentions doesn't see everything and makes mistakes... sometimes very serious mistakes. Then again how many benevolent dictators have there been?
So it too often is seen in churches, when the leadership (single person or group or organization) has figured out how everyone should live their lives for God, set up precise rules, and then strives to enforce those black and white rules so that everyone will be saved. God does not do that and those ministers He really does give to us [And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers ... Eph. 4:11] if they are paying attention to God themselves, I believe, also will not do it that way.
Men often want to take the written scriptures and set them out as God's rules...but applying their own definitions and interpretations as if God made them the bosses of everyone else. They are supposed to be God's gifts to work God's purpose:
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." Eph 4:12-16
The purpose of those gifts [God given ministers] is to minister to others until others are able to fit into the Body of Christ to and perform their own functions as part of the Body. The ministers should be striving to work themselves out of a job.
Our only Head is to be Jesus.
1 Timothy 6:1-3 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. [2] And they that have believing masters,
let them not despise them,
because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful
and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. [3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart,
O God, thou wilt not despise.
James 2:6
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
1 Thessalonians 5:12-20 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; [13]
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. [14] Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. [15] See that none render evil for evil unto any man ; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. [16] Rejoice evermore. [17] Pray without ceasing. [18] In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. [19] Quench not the Spirit. [20]
Despise not prophesyings.
Isaiah 53:2-5 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. [3] He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. [4] Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. [5] But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
...Psalm 22:24 For he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard.
I’m sorry but was considering ‘despise’
