False Leaders (long article, but worth the read)

MANIPULATION THROUGH STATUS "SINS"

In their pursuit of success, many leaders fall prey to the serpent's seduction to become like God. God's standard of success (sakal in Deut. 29:9, Joshua 1:7-8, 1 Kings 2:3) is a relationship with Him based upon faith and obedience. This same word translated "prosper" and "success" is translated "wise" in Genesis 3:6 in reference to why Eve desired the forbidden fruit (she thought it would make her successful). Sadly, many American Christians have accepted society's standards of success based upon appearances and accomplishments, and motivated by lust. In contrast , Jesus has already made us perfect (successful, if you will) by giving us His righteousness and acceptance which is demonstrated by our loving relationship with Him and other believers.

If spiritual abusers can not entice you into committing real sins, they will try to control you with "sins" not found in the New Testament. These "sins" have sliding scales, and only the spiritual abusers can determine your status. As we expose these status "sins", their powerful manipulation tool of guilt will be disarmed.