This is how it went:
LB: “That's too bad, brother, so when can you go?”
Brother: “I don't know. My situation changes with the job and all, and I just have to play it day by day.”
LB: “Well, you know, if you are not willing to take up your cross, brother, then the Lord is not going to be pleased. You know I only say this because I sincerely care about your walk with the Lord and your growth in the Assembly.”
Brother: “But other churches don't make so many demands on their people. Why are you making it like I'm not walking with the Lord?”
LB: “Well, I never said that. But you know how habits form, and you don't want to slack off in you commitment. It only makes it easier to say 'No' to the Lord next time.”
Brother: “But I am not saying 'No' to God by not going on an Assembly outreach. He has given me other responsibilities that are also important to meet.”
LB: “The Lord would not give you responsibilities unless He wanted to further your influence and walk with Him. I suggest you reconsider those responsibilities and ask yourself if they are not just your own agenda and not the Lord's. You know, next you will tell yourself it isn't that important if I miss the prayer meeting, or even Sunday worship. You're not showing humility, brother. You go and pray about it, and when the Lord shows you what you should do, you come back and talk to me.”
LB: “So, has the Lord led you, brother, to see the need to be active for Him in the outreaches? You know, we really missed you, and your contribution is always so appreciated. By the way, would you like to come over for supper tomorrow?”
Brother: “Actually, I am busy then, but what about next week?”
LB: “I'm worried about you, brother. If you let this go too long, you may fall away from the Lord. Cancel your engagement tomorrow. Do it for the Lord. He will honor you. I'm sure this commitment isn't as important as getting together with your friends here in the Assembly.”
Brother: “Why such interest? I have never been invited to your place before. It’s amazing how you suddenly have taken such an interest in me. What's up? By the way, tomorrow I'm talking with my kid's teacher. You know how the Assembly has been saying to get involved with the school and be active in the teaching of our children. I don't think this is something that should wait.”
LB: “Well, I met with the other brothers, you know, and they think you're putting to much emphasis on your family. They say that you're spending a lot of time with relatives, and miss some activities to go and visit them. So you see, it isn't just me. I am only concerned for you and want only the best for you.”
Brother: “I don't think you understand this is every bit as important to the Lord.”
LB: “I am trying to be reasonable, brother, and you are just demonstrating that you're not entreateable. I think you should repent of your bad attitude and listen to what the Lord is clearly trying to show you.”
Jack H.: "You really hit the nail on the head. I'm sure many can testify that they've had similar conversations with the leaders in their assemblies (even the ones that 'weren't influenced by George').
Here's a mind control situation that is mind-boggling. Leaders in SLO began telling us during the requests at prayer meetings that we needed to pray for unity in the leadership (I'm sure this happened in other assemblies at times, too). Around that time there was a Leading Brother who had some serious concerns about how the ministry functioned.
Put yourself in that Leading Brother's shoes. You know that you have had recent run-ins with the other leaders over issues of conscience, so you know that the request was referring to you even though your name was never mentioned. As the meeting progresses you hear prayers such as, "Lord, we pray that if there are any leaders that are resisting Your will, that you would warm their heart and bring them back to Yourself."
Without knowing any names, the 'saints' are now joining the other leaders in accusing you of resisting God's will. You are now all alone in your stand. If you talk to any non-leaders about your situation, they would surely say, "Oh, so you're the one we were praying for!" Imagine the pressure you would feel to to conform to what the other leaders wanted! That is what I call some serious mind control."
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