Blog
Trusting God as Your True Authority
Many churches today use phrases like "spiritual covering" and "spiritual parents" to describe leadership structures within their communities. These terms suggest that believers need a human leader to provide protection, authority, and guidance in their spiritual walk. Some leaders claim to act as a "covering" over their congregation, and believers are encouraged to submit under their "spiritual fathers" or "mothers" for direction and blessing.
But is this what the Bible teaches? Did Jesus establish a hierarchy where certain people must serve as intermediaries between us and God? Let’s explore what Scripture says.
Jesus: Our Only Teacher and Father
Jesus spoke directly about spiritual authority and warned against elevating human leaders in a way that replaces our direct relationship with God:
"But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one Instructor, the Messiah." (Matthew 23:8-10 NIV)
Jesus’ words make it clear—our primary Teacher is Him, and our true Father is God. While we can learn from others, we are not meant to give them a position of spiritual control over our lives.
The Role of Elders, Teachers, and Mentors
The Bible does speak about elders, teachers, and those with wisdom helping guide others in the faith:
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety." (Proverbs 11:14 ESV)
Seeking wisdom from experienced believers is beneficial. God places people in the Body of Christ with different gifts—some are skilled in teaching, others in encouragement, and others in leadership (Ephesians 4:11-12).
However, their role is not to rule over hearts or dictate personal decisions but to point believers back to Christ — and to example a life following Jesus.
God Alone Is Our Covering
The Bible speaks of God as our true covering and refuge:
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1 NIV)
"For you, O Lord, bless the righteous; you cover him with favour as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12 ESV)
We don’t need a human being to spiritually "cover" us when God Himself provides ultimate protection and guidance.
Israel’s Desire for a Human King: A Cautionary Tale
In 1 Samuel 8, the Israelites demanded a king because they saw other nations had one. They wanted a human leader to govern and protect them, rather than trusting in God’s direct rule. Samuel warned them of the consequences, but they insisted. God responded:
"And the Lord told him: ‘Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.'" (1 Samuel 8:7 NIV)
Despite God’s displeasure, He granted their request and gave them Saul as king. However, Saul’s leadership was flawed, illustrating the reality that human rulers will always fall short. In contrast, God remains eternally good, fair, and just:
"For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." (Psalm 100:5 NIV)
This story serves as a powerful reminder that while human leaders can provide guidance, they should never replace God’s ultimate authority in our lives.
Why Do People Defer to Others Instead of Trusting God?
Despite God’s invitation to trust Him directly, many people feel more comfortable relying on human leaders. Why is that?
• Fear of Making the Wrong Decision – Some feel inadequate in discerning God’s will and look to others to tell them what to do.
• Lack of Trust in God’s Voice – Many have been taught that they cannot understand Scripture without a leader interpreting it for them.
• Religious Conditioning – In some church cultures, obedience to human authority is emphasised more than personal responsibility before God.
• Desire for Belonging – Some believe submitting to a "spiritual covering" ensures acceptance and security within a church community.
But God calls us to maturity:
"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." (Hebrews 5:14 NIV)
He wants us to grow in faith, learning to seek Him directly rather than outsourcing our spiritual decisions to others.
The Dangers of Idolising Leaders
One of the greatest dangers in elevating spiritual leaders beyond their proper role is the risk of idolatry. When people place too much trust in a pastor, prophet, or mentor, they can begin to prioritise human approval over God’s truth. Scripture warns us against putting our faith in mere humans:
"This is what the Lord says: ‘Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.’" (Jeremiah 17:5 NIV)
Leaders, no matter how wise or godly, are still fallible. When we exalt them to an unhealthy level, we risk being led astray by their imperfections. Worse, such devotion can lead to spiritual abuse when authority figures exploit their influence.
Instead of blindly following individuals, we are called to test everything against God’s Word (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and ensure that Christ remains our ultimate authority.
Guidelines for Seeking Wise Counsel
When seeking advice or counsel from others, consider these guidelines:
Ensure They Are Experienced in the Subject – Seek wisdom from those who have demonstrated understanding and success in the area you need guidance on.
"By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:16 NIV)
Weigh Their Advice with the Leading of the Holy Spirit – Don’t feel pressured to follow advice that doesn’t sit right with you. Sometimes the advice is good, but the timing is off.
"But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26 NIV)
"Test all things; hold fast to what is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21 NKJV)
Pray for discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.
Do Not Give Anyone the Right to Overtake God’s Role in Your Life – No human should replace your personal relationship with God or make decisions for you.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
"Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?" (Isaiah 2:22 NIV)
4. Set Healthy Boundaries – Respect authority but don’t allow spiritual control.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1, NIV)
Respecting authority doesn’t mean blind submission—it means recognising leadership that aligns with Christ’s love and truth. Boundaries are biblical—we are called to stand firm in the freedom Christ gives, rather than allow guilt, fear, or manipulation to govern our faith.
5. Walk in Love and the Fruit of the Spirit – When you are led by the Spirit, you will naturally operate with humility, respect, and honour (Galatians 5:22-23). However, this is not the same as blind obedience. God calls us to honour others while still using wisdom and discernment in whom we follow.
Walking in True Freedom: Surrendering to God, Not People
It’s good to seek counsel and learn from wise believers, but ultimately, our lives should be surrendered to God alone. No human leader should take the place of His guidance in our hearts.
Instead of seeking a "covering" from people, we can rest in the covering of Christ.
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27 NIV)
Rather than relying on human intermediaries, let’s learn to hear and follow the voice of Jesus. Trust Him as your true Shepherd, Father, and Teacher. He is faithful to lead you!