Soul Ties Part 3 – Relationships in the Church

Soul Ties Part 3 – Relationships in the Church

Another type of soul tie is formed between members in the Body of Christ; this is essential so that you can mature and fulfill the great commission. You need to love your brothers and sisters with a holy love, an agape love that comes from your will not just your emotions. When Christians work together in the Body of Christ you build strength and unity.

The relationships that you form in your church body are likened to the relationship between various parts of the human body. One part of your human body cannot function without the other. Likewise, the Body of Christ must be built up and knit together in love to serve God effectively.
“…Grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Ephesians 4:15-16 (NIV)

Even in church you want to build relationships with those who put God first in their lives. It is possible for ungodly soul ties to form in church settings. This can happen through cliques that cause division in the Body of Christ, through gossip, strife and discord that opposes church unity.

It is also possible for leaders and pastors to join the church members to themself rather than to the Lord. This type of unholy bond can seduce the people away from Christ. This may happen intentionally or it may be initiated by church members who idolize the pastor above Christ. Cults are formed by these kinds of soul ties.

When you follow those who do not represent the character of Christ and walk in His truth, you are binding yourself in a soul tie to an idol. Jesus is your Lord and no man shall come before Him. You are given leaders to urge you forward in Christ, strengthening your understanding, and ministering to your spiritual needs as God’s servants. You are to follow leaders as they follow Christ.
“But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”
1 Corinthians 6:17 (NASU)

You are called to bind your mind to the mind of Christ and be one with Him. Paul explained that Christ is the only foundation which can be laid. The spirit of Antichrist is introduced when man replaces Christ, the foundation, with any human being.

An example of this error took place in the Shepherding movement. The local flock was called to look to their pastor as “I Am” and no action was to take place without his permission. Spiritual leaders must maintain the integrity of John the Baptist who made the following declaration.
“I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before Him…the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice.”
John 3:28-29 (NKJV)

If Christian leaders usurp the position of Christ they tie the people to themselves. Christ came so that you do not need a priest to stand on your behalf, but you are free at any time to seek His face and enter into His presence. You must know the Word of God and God’s character so that you can discern truth.

When you are tied to man rather than to Christ, Christian fellowship with other churches and denominations is either hindered or made impossible. You can then become enmeshed with a group of the ‘elite.’ In this type of soul tie you are open to what the Scriptures call “the doctrines of demons.” You are led into false doctrines and teachings that are twisted. God is no respecter of persons and He came to form His Bride, the Body of Christ made up for different, unique living stones.

Soul ties with abusive churches damage your image of God and corrupt the plans and purposes of God. They can damage your self-image and take you off the path God wants for you. A church is a family system; if it is unhealthy it can do the same or more damage than an abusive, controlling, or neglectful family. God is grieved when the church of God does not reflect His image but don’t reject God because of what man has chosen.

If you have had destructive relationships within the church and experienced spiritual abuse, God desires to heal your soul. Seek healing and help to learn what healthy church and family looks like. If condemnation, judgment, rejection, and shame are part of a church system the leaders are not walking out biblical principles and reflecting Christ. Grow in discernment and identify what is biblical and what isn’t. Don’t project the flawed image of “religious” people onto a perfect and holy God.