Have you ever listened to a sermon given by a feel-good pastor? It seems more and more people are drawn to that “come on, get happy” type of message that only looks at the good side of God’s blessings and never mentions Jesus. They don’t talk about what happened at Calvary; how the blood of the Lamb was spilled to save us–how Jesus suffered in our place.

So many people don’t want to think about these events. So, they buy the books and listen to the teaching that says it’s all up to them–if only they keep their mind positive, however: they neglect the fact that what they should keep their mind on is Jesus and His direction in their lives. They skip over all the parts that say we must go through hard times as followers. They leave the power in the hands of the listener when it truly belongs to Jesus.

“For the time is coming when people will not have patience, for sound teaching, but will cater to their passions and gather around themselves teachers who say whatever their ears itch to hear. Yes, they will stop listening to the truth, but will turn aside to follow myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4) I fell into that trap as a young believer. I bought more than one book that was nothing more than self-help; the power of you–you can do it.

I have news for the people who make these preachers their teachers: it’s all about you being willing to be used by the Creator, not about your own abilities, thoughts, or actions, but how Father designed you to shine. You were created to shine in his glory but when Jesus gets left out so does His salvation. “Everyone who denies the Son is also without the Father, but the person who acknowledges the Son has the Father as well.” (1 John 2:23)

Choose carefully today who you allow to lead you, your life depends on it.