Revelation 2:6
But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Jesus had rebuked Ephesus for leaving their first love, but He also stops to commend them here. I like that. Even in correction, He notices what is right. He sees what is still healthy. He sees what is still true.
And what did He commend? They hated the deeds of the Nicolaitans.
The name seems to point to the idea of conquering the people, of ruling over the flock in a way the Lord never intended. It speaks of spiritual domination, of men stepping into places that belong to Christ alone. It is the spirit that says, “I will run your life. I will decide for you. I will stand between you and God.”
Jesus said, I hate that.
That is strong language. And it tells us something important. The Lord loves His people too much to let them be spiritually controlled by ambitious men. He never intended the church to be built on intimidation, manipulation, or heavy handed rule. Leaders are called to serve, not to sit on a throne.
Paul understood that.
2 Corinthians 1:24
Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
That is beautiful. Not dominion over your faith. Helpers of your joy. Think about that. A true servant of God does not try to replace the voice of Jesus in your life. He points you to Jesus. He opens the Word. He prays. He serves. He strengthens. But he does not try to become your master.
That is where things can go wrong so quickly.
There is always a temptation in spiritual settings for people to want a visible human authority they can lean on for every decision. Tell me where to go. Tell me what to do. Tell me how to live. But however well intended that may sound, it is dangerous when it drifts beyond godly counsel into human control.
A shepherd helps feed sheep.
A shepherd does not become their savior.
Only Jesus has the right to rule the conscience. Only Jesus has nail scarred hands. Only Jesus can say, “Follow Me,” with absolute authority. Pastors, teachers, elders, and leaders all have a real place, but it is a serving place. It is never a replacing place.
That is why healthy ministry always has an open Bible and an open hand. It says, “Let me help you see what the Lord says.” It does not say, “Give me your life and I will think for you.”
Beloved, be thankful for godly leaders. Pray for them. Receive counsel from them. Learn from them. But do not give any man the place that belongs to Christ alone.
The best leaders are not building little kingdoms around themselves.
They are helping people walk in joy under the lordship of Jesus.
And when that happens, there is freedom. There is health. There is safety. There is worship. Because the church is not gathered around the personality of a man. It is gathered around the Person of Christ.