Dirty Funnel

Fresh, hot, so precious, flowing directly from the source. This oh so important matter that sets our wheels spinning. And so it pours from the only place that has it; unrestricted, with intent, in hope without prejudice and undiluted.
Man as desirous of good things as he is, is often unprepared to take full advantage of the gifts he’s given.
From the clergy to the pews, God is speaking. Pouring out His manna to better our lives if only we’ll just listen. Unfortunately many have consigned the gift and the privilege of hearing from God to the spiritual leaders. After all they are the shepherds Christ gave to tend His Church. And for this reason among many others the clergy has become a bridge between man and God. They occupy a virtual seat of honour due to the responsibilities or positions that are conferred on them. Like a funnel they aid in transmitting messages from the source to the receiver. The source being God and the receivers, His people. They receive messages and disseminate it as best as they can – distilled, diluted, decanted. But the funnels are people; as prone to sin and error as anyone else. These leaders who are just as busy as everyone else are saddled with so much to deal with even by their very own daily lives and are sometimes overwhelmed especially when there are many people to cater for. They have their own motives and prejudices and are not too far from a god-complex. Either in reception or delivery, things could go wrong. Perception, perspective, intent, desire; all could taint the message.
For instance if a preacher begins to enjoy his position of authority over the congregation, he could (unknowingly) take their eyes and hearts off the saviour; the true advocate, as he soaks in accolades or sees himself in coloured light. Pride sets in, his word is true or isn’t it? Anyone who can’t or won’t act in line or conform to his desires is seen as unyielding, rebellious or unbelieving. Manipulation starts from there. That’s just a scenario. It is not out of place to hear that a “man of God” has fallen into error. No one knows how long they operate in the wrong. Even those who hear from God can fall into error as a result of wrong interpretation of Scriptures (for whatever reason that might occur), temptation or pressure. In good cases, tempered funnels may sport personal blemishes which though does not affect the message delivery, may be a stumbling block to other lives. We’re all humans and hence capable of getting things wrong. Man will not always accurately deliver and interpret revelations because we remain prone to errors of different types and our personalities always reflect in delivery. Some leaders are genuine and honest in their walk and pursuit of an exemplary life but others are just deliberately full of dross, misleading others.
But then if we all were listening and could hear God speaking, wouldn’t we still be ill or imperfect in at least one form? We all at one point or the other in our lives are no different from dirty funnels. In words and deeds, in Church and out of Church, whether listening or not, someone else is getting influenced by us; dirty funnel or not.

#UnChurched
15/12/2016
(c) 'durotimi