We are living in a time where believers must guard themselves from spiritual charlatans.
What is a CHARLATAN? A charlatan (also called a swindler) is a person practicing quackery or some similar confidence trick or deception in order to obtain money, fame or other advantages via some form of pretense or deception. Synonyms for charlatan include shyster, quack, or faker.
Sadly, there are many self-proclaimed "apostles, prophets & pastors" who prey on weak minded believers by enticing their thirst & curiosity for the "supernatural" with a so called "WORD FROM THE LORD"...which really aren't words from The Lord, but rather flesh driven trickery to control, manipulate & keep a cycle of dependency on them rather than Christ.
This is one reason why we need true pastors & true spiritual fathers/mothers in our life. They help guide our discernment through sound biblical teaching. They protect us from charlatans & those who would take advantage of our good nature & innocence.
As a shepherd, you take great care in leading, feeding & protecting those whom you've been entrusted. It pains you to see folks fanged by the teeth of carnivorous wolves who make cloaked promises of positions, titles & familiarity. True spiritual discernment can see through the veil of appearances & anyone with even a natural eye can see a person's track record in both the natural & spiritual. God will reveal it & has.
I caution people to avoid associations with this spirit. It is "another spirit" masquerading around the body of Christ. It longs for the affirmation of fatherhood but was never legitimately birthed. It appears to have the structure of biblical theology but it's foundation is pride & self-promotion. Discerning believers should not let its poison have access to their life.
Romans 16:17-18 "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
You cannot cover what remains uncovered.
You cannot lead what will not be led.
However, you can continue to teach the truth, model & love unconditionally. Father's don't leave the porch. They remain on the porch with a watchful eye for prodigals on the horizon.
Some more information that is helpful...