If Satan cannot get a person to openly deny and resist the doctrines of Divine revelation, he will try to get the hearer to raise barriers of resistance against the messenger. When the hearer cuts off the messenger, he is also cutting off the message. This is because the hearer stops listening to the messenger, and therefore stops hearing what the messenger is saying. The result of hearing and accepting the message will strengthen the bond between messenger and hearer rather than weaken and nullify the relationship. God wants parishioners to honor their spiritual leaders.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
(12) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
(13) And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
Hebrews 13:7
(7) Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:17
(17) Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
1 Timothy 5:17-20
(17) Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
(18) For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
(19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
(20) Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
