A boy broke his hand. At the hospital, he stretched out the healthy hand for POP. He didn’t want the painful one touched. Days later, his parents found out. They had to go back and treat the real problem. Many of us do the same with God.
Friend, God is calling us to sincerity (Hebrews 4:15-16). Why do we think we can hide from an all-knowing God (Genesis 3:8-9)? We are selective about what we surrender. We ask our pastor to pray for our job and business but hide our relationships and finances. We want help, but only on our terms.
True accountability to God and to your shepherd must be total (John 6:68). It cannot be forced, but it must be complete. If a pastor will give an account of your soul to God, then it is only right for you to be open with him (1 Peter 5:1-4). Partial accountability produces partial growth and partial protection.
Don’t make pastoring painful for your leader (Hebrews 13:17). Don’t play hide and seek. Don’t force your pastor to use a word of knowledge to find what you should have shared by word of mouth (Acts 5:1-11). Many believers stress their pastors, then complain that they are not growing. Growth requires openness.
Like the boy in our story, don’t fake perfection (Psalm 51:6). Don’t present the healthy side of your life while hiding the broken side. Don’t be selective in what you allow God to touch. Jesus is either Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all (Luke 6:46). Partial surrender is still rebellion.
The areas we hide from God and accountability are the exact areas the enemy attacks (2 Corinthians 2:11). God can only help you to the level you allow Him (Genesis 6:3). A pastor can only pastor you to the level you allow him. Open up. Bring the broken hand to Jesus. That’s where healing begins.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria