GOD GIVES PEOPLE THE EVIL SHEPHERDS THEY DESIRE By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 5:31 (KJV)
“The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?”
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INTRODUCTION
God desires His people to walk in truth, receive correction, pursue holiness, and remain faithful to His Word. However, when people reject His truth and refuse correction, they become vulnerable to spiritual deception. Instead of seeking shepherds who lead them according to God's will, they may prefer leaders who flatter them, excuse their sins, and tell them what they want to hear. This is a serious spiritual danger because the desire for comforting lies can cause people to reject the truth that would lead them to repentance and freedom.
The problem is not only that false shepherds exist, but also that some people willingly follow them because their teachings satisfy personal desires. Yet religious titles, popularity, and impressive appearances do not prove that someone is a faithful servant of God. Genuine shepherds feed, protect, guide, and care for God's people, following the example of Jesus Christ. This lesson warns against deceptive leadership, calls ministers to humility and accountability, and challenges every believer to seek God's truth above personal desires.
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GOD GIVES PEOPLE OVER TO THE DESIRES THEY CHOOSE
When people continually reject God's truth, they may become trapped in the consequences of their own choices. Rather than accepting correction, they seek teachers who approve of their desires and avoid confronting their sins. Scripture warns of this condition in 2 Timothy 4:3–4: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.”
This passage reveals that false teaching can flourish when people prefer pleasing messages to sound doctrine. They may choose leaders who promise blessings without repentance, encourage prosperity without righteousness, or offer comfort without calling for obedience. Eventually, they may mistake popularity for God's approval and flattering words for spiritual truth.
Nevertheless, the existence of false shepherds does not mean that everyone who follows them deserves exploitation. Some people are manipulated or deceived without understanding what is happening. Leaders who knowingly distort Scripture, abuse spiritual authority, or exploit vulnerable people remain accountable for their actions. Every believer must therefore examine personal motives, test spiritual teaching against God's Word, and remain willing to receive correction.
In 1 John 4:1, the Bible instructs believers, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” Spiritual discernment requires prayer, knowledge of Scripture, humility, and courage to reject teachings that contradict God's truth.
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THE DANGER OF EVIL AND UNFAITHFUL SHEPHERDS
Not everyone who claims to be a shepherd of God's people fulfils that responsibility faithfully. Some neglect the flock, pursue personal gain, manipulate their followers, or allow spiritual harm to continue without taking appropriate action. Instead of caring for the people entrusted to them, they use their positions to satisfy pride, greed, and ambition.
God rebuked such leaders in Ezekiel 34:2–3: “Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock.”
The Lord condemns shepherds who enjoy the benefits of leadership while neglecting their duty to nourish and protect the people. This warning applies wherever spiritual authority is used for personal enrichment, domination, or exploitation. A minister cannot claim faithfulness merely because he preaches, gathers a congregation, or holds an influential position. His character and conduct must reflect the truth he proclaims.
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of a faithful Shepherd. In John 10:11, He declares, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Christ's example establishes the standard for Christian leadership: genuine shepherds serve sacrificially, protect the flock, and place the purposes of God above selfish ambition. Spiritual leadership is a sacred responsibility, not an opportunity to control or exploit others.
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GOD CALLS HIS SERVANTS TO HUMILITY
The Living God calls His servants to humility, obedience, and faithful service rather than pride and self-exaltation. A genuine shepherd does not constantly seek recognition or expect everyone to serve him. Instead, he asks how he can strengthen God's people and fulfil the responsibility entrusted to him.
Jesus demonstrated this principle when He washed His disciples' feet. In John 13:14–15, He said, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” By this act, Jesus taught His followers that true greatness is expressed through humble service rather than the pursuit of status.
Pride reverses this principle. A proud leader wants to be honoured, served, and elevated, while neglecting the needs of others. A humble servant, however, is willing to perform necessary acts of service even when they bring no recognition. The desire to please God must be greater than the desire to impress people.
Jesus further teaches in Matthew 23:11–12: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” These words apply to every believer, especially those entrusted with spiritual authority. No one becomes spiritually mature simply by holding a title or receiving public praise. Genuine maturity is demonstrated through obedience, humility, integrity, and love.
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TRUE SHEPHERDS FEED GOD'S FLOCK
One of the most important duties of a genuine shepherd is to feed God's people with the truth of His Word. Believers need sound teaching to grow in faith, overcome temptation, recognize deception, and mature spiritually. Without proper spiritual nourishment, they can become weak, confused, and easily misled.
A congregation may have many activities and impressive appearances while lacking the teaching and care necessary for spiritual growth. Faithful ministry must therefore go beyond public preaching. It should help people understand Scripture, repent of sin, develop godly character, and remain steadfast in Christ. Shepherds must also recognize those who are discouraged, spiritually weak, or struggling to return to the Lord.
The apostle Peter gives clear instructions in 1 Peter 5:2–3: “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”
These verses establish essential standards for Christian leadership. Shepherds must serve willingly, reject greed, avoid domination, and become examples of godly conduct. Their lives should support the message they preach. They must not treat people as instruments for personal gain but as souls entrusted to their care.
This does not mean that ministers should neglect their legitimate needs or that receiving appropriate support for ministry is wrong. The issue is whether resources support faithful ministry or whether ministry is being used to satisfy selfish desires. Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 4:5: “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.”
A faithful minister directs people's attention to Jesus Christ rather than making himself the centre of their devotion. Such a servant seeks the spiritual well-being of the flock, teaches the truth without distortion, and serves with integrity whether or not people recognize his efforts.
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GOD HOLDS UNFAITHFUL SHEPHERDS ACCOUNTABLE
No spiritual leader should assume that a position of authority places him beyond God's judgment. The Lord sees both public conduct and private motives. He knows whether a shepherd has served faithfully, neglected the flock, manipulated people, or pursued selfish ambitions at the expense of those under his care.
In Ezekiel 34, God confronts shepherds who have failed to care for His people and declares His concern for the sheep who have been scattered and neglected. This demonstrates that spiritual leadership carries serious accountability before God. Those who have abused their responsibilities must not hide behind religious titles or use spiritual language to excuse wrongdoing.
The appropriate response to failure is genuine repentance. Leaders who recognize their wrongdoing must acknowledge it, change their conduct, and take responsible steps to address the harm caused. Repentance is not merely an apology; it must produce evidence of a changed life.
At the same time, believers should not assume that every disagreement or hardship proves that a leader is evil. Serious concerns must be examined truthfully and responsibly. God's warnings about judgment must never become excuses for revenge, careless accusations, or mistreatment of others. The purpose of biblical correction is to bring people back to truth, righteousness, and obedience.
Those who have been hurt by spiritual leaders should remember that human failure does not mean God has abandoned them. They can seek His guidance, establish their lives upon Scripture, and pursue safe, accountable Christian fellowship.
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GOD CAN RESTORE THOSE WHO RETURN TO HIM
Although rejecting truth has serious consequences, God continues to call people to repentance and restoration. Those who recognize that they have followed deceptive teaching should not remain trapped in it. They must seek the Lord sincerely, return to His Word, and become willing to abandon beliefs and practices that contradict His will.
In Jeremiah 3:15, God declares, “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” This reveals His desire for shepherds who faithfully teach His truth and care for His people.
Believers should pray for such leaders while also examining their own hearts. It is not enough to demand righteous shepherds while refusing personal correction, humility, and obedience. Healthy spiritual leadership and responsible discipleship belong together. Ministers must care for the flock, and believers must seek truth rather than blindly accepting every teaching.
God can strengthen those who have become spiritually weak, give discernment to those who have been deceived, and guide His people toward faithful fellowship. Where there has been neglect, responsible care must be restored; where there has been wrongdoing, repentance and correction are necessary; and where deception has taken root, God's truth must be embraced.
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THE CALL TO SURRENDER AND FAITHFUL SERVICE
The central question is whether we are willing to surrender our desires to the will of God. Many people desire recognition and honour but are unwilling to accept the humility and sacrifice that genuine service requires. Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him.
In Mark 8:34, Jesus says, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” This call applies to pastors, ministry workers, and every believer. We must place obedience above pride, truth above deception, and God's glory above personal ambition.
Those entrusted with spiritual leadership must serve without manipulation, teach without distorting Scripture, and care for people without treating them as tools for personal advancement. Those who follow them must also test teachings against God's Word and understand that respect for leadership does not require accepting abuse or wrongdoing.
The Lord desires servants who feed the spiritually hungry with the bread of life, strengthen the weak, guide others toward truth, and demonstrate Christ's love through practical service. Such people do not seek merely to be served; they seek to honour God by serving faithfully.
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CONCLUSION
God warns against the rejection of truth and the acceptance of deceptive spiritual leadership. When people prefer flattering messages to sound doctrine, they become vulnerable to teachers who satisfy their desires rather than strengthen their faith. Yet the willingness of some people to be deceived never excuses leaders who knowingly exploit, manipulate, or neglect them.
God calls His shepherds to feed His flock, lead with humility, and follow the example of Jesus Christ. He calls believers to exercise discernment, receive correction, and seek faithful spiritual guidance. Every person must examine his or her heart: leaders must ask whether they are serving Christ or pursuing personal gain, while believers must ask whether they genuinely desire God's truth or merely want their preferences affirmed.
The call is clear: reject deception, pursue God's truth, walk in humility, and remain faithful to Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.
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CALL TO ACTION
Examine your heart and your spiritual commitments before God. If you are a leader, evaluate whether you are feeding and protecting the flock entrusted to you. Repent of pride, greed, manipulation, or neglect, and demonstrate your repentance through changed conduct. If you are a believer, test what you hear against Scripture and seek spiritual fellowship marked by truth, integrity, and accountability.
If you have been misled or wounded by spiritual leadership, seek God's guidance and appropriate support. Do not allow the wrongdoing of a human leader to separate you from Jesus Christ. Return to the Lord, build your life upon His Word, and ask Him to make you a faithful servant.
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FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
Do not abandon the Good Shepherd because some human shepherds have failed. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, pursue the truth of Scripture, and remain steadfast in humility and obedience. If God has entrusted you with the care of others, serve them faithfully rather than exploiting them. If you are seeking spiritual guidance, pray for discernment and examine every teaching according to God's Word.
May your heart desire truth rather than deception, service rather than pride, and obedience rather than personal recognition. May your life honour Jesus Christ and help others grow in faith.
Until The Whole World Hears…
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PRAYER OF SALVATION
Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness and salvation. I repent of my sins and ask You to cleanse my heart and renew my mind.
Lord Jesus, I believe that You died for my sins and rose again. I receive You as my Lord and Saviour. Deliver me from deception, pride, and every desire that leads me away from Your truth. Teach me to love Your Word, accept Your correction, and walk in humility and obedience.
Give me discernment to recognize truth and reject false teaching. Lead me toward faithful spiritual guidance, and help me serve others according to Your will. If I have misled anyone or neglected my responsibilities, grant me genuine repentance and the courage to make things right.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen me to follow You faithfully. Establish my life upon Your Word and help me remain steadfast in righteousness and love. Thank You for Your mercy, forgiveness, and the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
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