The Spirit Grieves!
Having served for many years as a missionary in the jungles of Papua New Guinea, it came as quite a shock to return to my home country of Australia and observe the culture of full time ministers in the western church.
Call it a “culture shock” if you like but expectations and the life style of pastors had changed dramatically.
Late in life it is not uncommon to reflect upon where you have been and what you have seen on life’s journey.
As I was walking along the Brighton esplanade on Brisbane’s coast line, the troubled water set in motion some thoughts about things that I have witnessed over a lifetime of ministry.
Not given to negativity, I was reluctant to explore the trend my thoughts were taking me.
Interestingly I was taken back to a song my son David wrote and published in 1992.
At the time when he recorded it I thought his lyrics were too poignant to publish!
But with the passing of time I began to see that perhaps it did have a prophetic edge to it that needed to be heard.
A number of issues troubled me.
I acknowledge I found it too hard to deal with, as I had little experience in Australian church culture.
With a missions background I found it hard to understand the extravagant use of God’s money amongst Australian churches and pastors, especially compared to churches in neighbouring countries.
That constant appeal for money by pastors and visiting evangelists that seemed to make congregants feel guilty, even though they were regular givers to the church.
It seemed to that ministers increasingly made radical claims using phrases like “God told me”, which left very little for the congregations to dispute, particularly in relation to financial matters and the disposal or sale of church property!
These “God Spoke To Me” moments were often brushed under the carpet and not challenged nor put to the test in a court of law, because christians were not supposed to take a brother to court according to 1 Corinthians 6:1-3
Denominational Church leadership including myself were reluctant to name recalcitrant leaders!
Then I began to observe that pastors began to live a 5 Star VIP lifestyle that caused the average church goer to ask pertinent questions. 
In this song with the privilege of poetic license David calls it out for what it is: “unauthentic.”
He calls the song “Spirit Weep”, I call it “The Spirit Grieves”.
I think with prophetic foresight he saw the coming proliferation of prosperity, ‘feel good’, easy grace and motivational sermons that are flooding not only our churches but the TV and Internet ministry channels.
This song perhaps shines a light on the need for repentance from unauthentic ministry and manifestations of the Spirit.
Take a view of the video below as you listen to the lyrics.
It’s not easy to digest!
“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God”
(1 Pet. 4:17).