Warning to Pastors (Ezek 33)

The authors of Scripture didn't have commands for bold or italics or underline so in order to emphasize something important they would repeat themselves.

In my readings in Ezekiel today God repeated Himself from chapter 3, and all Christians but especially pastors need to hear Him when He says:

"Now as for you, son of man, I have appointed you a watchman for the house of Israel; so you will hear a message from My mouth and give them warning from Me. When I say to the wicked, 'O wicked man, you will surely die,' and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require from your hand. But if you on your part warn a wicked man to turn from his way and he does not turn from his way, he will die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your life" (33:7-9).

As a pastor, your job is to hear a message from God's Word and give the people that message. If you do not give them the warnings as well as the blessings of Scripture because you're afraid of coming off like a fundamentalist, or a fire and brimstone Puritan, or because you think you're being loving and encouraging, heed this warning from God through Ezekiel.

There will always be people who do not want to hear what God has to say:

"They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain. Behold, you are to them like a sensual song by one who has a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument; for they hear your words but they do not practice them" (33:31-32).

These kinds of people are not a neutral marketing segment for your gospel product. They rebelliously want God / spirituality on their terms not His. If you seek their approval as your highest goal, God will judge you for silencing Him.