Exposing the Fallacious Concept of Spiritual Covering

                

Exposing The Fallacious Concept of Spiritual Covering

                                                                                   By Claude Chikozho

 

Covering, is a word so often misused in the body of Christ today, I believe that the reason for this, is that not all of the Lords saints follow the biblical instruction:" Prove all things" despite this word of caution in the bible; it is astonishing to see how so many Christians, are still reluctant to scrutinize every sermon by the infallible word of God. The Lord Jesus often made use of parables, in His expression to spiritual matters. For in so doing, He could simplify the spiritual, with a replica of the natural. I will attempt the same here, to prove how significant discernment is in the subject concerned. To do this, I would like to turn your attention to the natural replica of spiritual discernment, which is the five senses the Lord endowed mankind with. These senses enable us to feel, hear, see, smell and taste; however at this point, I would like to focus your attention on only three of these; that is, the senses of seeing smelling and tasting.

 These three senses enable us to see, smell and taste the foods we desire to consume, giving us the ability to discern whether these could be good or bad for us, by us excising these God given abilities, we eliminate the risk of eating food or drinking anything that could be detrimental to our health. Though many of us may show very little appreciation to these senses, we do however all agree on this one thing; that is, we can't live with out them. And if it is that we can't live with out the senses, that enable us to preserve our natural life, how much more applicable? Do you think, it would be for us to make use of our spiritual senses, which enable us to preserve our eternal soul and spirit; unlike our natural senses, the spiritual can only be enhanced and sensitized by the word of God. This also gives us a greater understanding, as to the significance of being enriched in the word, for the more word you receive into your heart; the more sensitive you will become to lies and false doctrine.

 Many charismatic leaders, casually use this term; "spiritual covering", without truly understanding its biblical implication. This is predominantly noted with in the Pentecostal circles, where you would you hear words such as," I'm your covering" or "the church is your covering." Sadly none of these quotes are scripturally authentic, And the inauthenticity of this concept can only be brought to light by the word of God; as it is written in: 2nd Timothy vs. 16 and 17, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 17:" That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." These two scriptures confirm, and affirm that not only is the word of God breathed by Him, but it's the only guideline for the man of God to use, in teaching and correcting doctrinal error. Also it is the only foundation, by which the church is founded and built upon. Any humanistic worldly wisdom or knowledge; would be disqualified as sinking sand.

In reality; it is both mythical and fallacious, for any human being to hold the view, that he or she can be a spiritual covering to the church of God. Even the highest calling or position in the body of Christ doesn't qualify to this high order and responsibility, only the Lord does. For He alone is the keeper of Israel; as it is also written:" He neither sleeps nor slumbers." And His promise is," I will be with you always." A promise, only He can keep. This kind of teaching is definitely in error, and is not supported by scripture; it also gives a false theological understanding to the believer, on the subject of spiritual covering; which than leads to a false hope in the arm of flesh. Believers that are caught up in this ideology, usually experience a very slow spiritual progression, as they are dependant on the counsel of the man of God, for almost every important decision in their lives. Due to this unhealthy dependency, they never come to a closer deeper walk with God; and their relationship with Him suffers. It is the Father's desire, that all His children drew closer to Him, and not just a selected few; as it is written: "Draw nigh unto God and He will draw nigh to you."

To further reprove this false teaching and belief, let us take a look at some light shedding scriptures on this subject: Isaiah 30 vs. 1, 2 and 3 says: Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin. 2: That walks to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt! 3: Therefore shall the strength of Pharaoh be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion. Kindly take note of the key words here in verse one, which state:" that take counsel, but not of me; that cover with a covering, but not of my Spirit" As a Christian, you would know, that the counsel of the Lord, is the word of the Lord, which here is backed up by the Spirit of the Lord. Proverbs 1 vs. 23 confirms: "Turn you at my reproof: behold I will pour out my Spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you." This is why the Lord, so emphasized to the Israelites, the importance of keeping His word. For therein was their protection and shelter from their enemies.

What the Father is revealing to us back in Isaiah the 30th chapter, is that when any of His saints take counsel that is not according to His word; they also would be forfeiting the covering of His Holy Spirit. For according to the mentioned verse here; the covering of the Spirit over our lives, is brought about by our obedience to His word. Thereby establishing the fact, that our only true covering, is the Holy Ghost; and not any man or woman of God. For as Leaders, all are but His servants; and this spiritual law of covering, applies to all saints; be it shepherds or sheep. All members of the Body of Christ are in need of the Lords protection and covering. Leadership positions in the church are only given for the purpose of nurturing and responsibility. There fore, even obedience unto them, would be obedience unto the written instruction; as it is written: "Do all things whole heartedly as unto the Lord, and not unto man."  In closing, for any person to be a spiritual covering unto another; that person would have to be God. King David confirms this in Psalm 91 vs. 4, by saying:" He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark." Lastly, we have to be vigilant and sober in these last days, for the bible warns us of the lying and deceiving demonically influenced doctrines that will come into the church.

God Bless!