A sense of betrayal–very hard to get over–may be a sign that we made more of something than we should have, and along with that, perhaps more still of those people who were visible/central in the making of the betrayal. This can keep us from being able to recover as we should, having been deceived and left believing we were “misled” by what appears to be calculating individuals. Perhaps they too were deceived and the mistake, though destructive, was otherwise more honest than we want to believe?
Being ready to acknowledge that we too have a responsibility in what we did can help us to not elongate the process of recovery.
So many “cult leaders” are seen (thought, purported) to be sinister, calculating individuals (masterminds, puppeteers) who were carefully weaving their webs of deception. I think this may be less true than we imagine. I am not trying, by saying this, to excuse deception and manipulation. For sure, we will all be judged in the cold and penetrating light of day for the things “done in our body,” to use patrician vernacular.
At the same time, aren’t we admonished to “make sure” not to be deceived? (See Matthew 24:4 NASB.)
Whose responsibility then is that?
For sure, everyone hates to be bamboozled, but when we are, we surely want it to be someone else’s fault.
One very effective defense against being misled is getting closer to God and going deeper in Him, on a personal and individual level. Simple, personal devotion to Christ helps us not make more of something–even some things “of God”–than we should. Majoring on the minors or going beyond what is warranted are key areas we need to watch for in the glamorous and visible. This may be where the majority of us are misguided. It’s not even that what is being said is “wrong;” it’s just the minute details are being stressed in a way that makes them more than they are. At this late stage in human history, we should not be surprised at humankind’s tendency to make and worship idols.
I might have something to say about this one. Been there. I know others who are there right now and have had their ministries sullied by a root of bitterness. Slew Foot is patient. He waits for the perfect moment. He is perceptive and strategize s preying upon a leaders weakness. He is tenacious. He hangs in there and never sleeps.
Appreciate the considerations your article raises. We’re encouraged to examine ourselves as we navigate the twists and turns of our relational skill sets and interactions. Your article reminds me that no one chooses our responses for us and how we respond is a great reflection of where we are and where we have yet to grow into.
Good word…..This brings to mind something God is continually trying to perfect in me. Philippians 4:11 “……for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. “