Deuteronomy chapter 13 verses 1-4 (NIV)
If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.
Its easy to put respected spiritual leaders on a pedestal, especially those who have contributed much to our personal growth.
They may well be used prophetically, or in other gifts and its amazing to see God work through someone in this way.
We need to remember however that they are only human and need lots of prayer support from us to keep them on the road that God has called them to walk.
They can go astray just as we can, and if they begin to stray from what the Bible teaches we should not just blindly follow them because of who they are, or because of their reputation. We need to take responsibility for our own spiritual walk.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for those who lead and teach Your people so faithfully. Keep them close to You and bless them with Your Presence. But help me to have wisdom and discernment and to know Your will for my own personal walk. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.