According to the dictionary, populists claim to speak on behalf of the people and rebel against “the elite.” In the church, we may not have an “elite,” but we do have leadership. Populists are those who constantly criticize leaders or leadership, believing they are doing so on behalf of the believers and seeking to gain popularity for themselves.
However, if public opinion shifts, populists also change their stance because they aim to remain popular. Such individuals lack a strong moral compass as they continually follow the prevailing trends. Populists are willing to compromise on the truth because speaking certain things or addressing particular topics may not be popular. They prioritize saying what people want to hear rather than what they need to hear.
Populists lead people toward the broader path rather than the narrow one, focusing on attracting crowds instead of making disciples. Their primary concern is building their own image rather than advancing the Kingdom of God and building His house.
Populists often seek acceptance, but their roots lie in feelings of rejection, impurity, and immaturity. What the church truly needs are not populists but fathers and mothers, leaders, and ministers who are not entangled in political games.
Populists are motivated by pleasing people, but our focus should be on pleasing God!
A narcissist is someone who constantly sees attention. If they are not the centre of attention, they lose interest. Conversations, meetings, gatherings, and life itself must revolve around them. They struggle to support or honour others and they are continually trying to show the perfect picture about themselves, ministry or family.
They have the ability to smile and use words, but their hearts are often cold or detached. Their actions are driven by a desire to give only to receive in return. They exploit people for their personal advantage and can be deceptive, appearing harmless on the surface but hiding their true intentions. They befriend you because they see something they can gain from you. However, once they’ve achieved their goal or you’re no longer beneficial to them, they easily discard you.
Narcissists are individuals with deep emotional wounds. Jezebel’s influence often holds a strong grip on their lives, and they frequently operate under a familiar spirit. They minister or prophesy based on their emotions into the emotions of others. They teach others without receiving teaching themselves. They are dealing strongly with rejection although they will never admit that.
They exhibit immaturity and they a need the Father’s love, repentance, and healing.
There are varying degrees of narcissism, and it’s crucial for individuals infected by it to confront and address it before it consumes them. The ultimate outcome is typically destruction and harm, not only to others but also to themselves.
Populists and narcissists keep them far away!