Matthew15:8 ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. NLT
ATTACHMENT TO MEN'S OPINION
Another reason some believers are not led by the Spirit of God is because they are fond of seeking men's opinion instead of asking God for direction. Even when they enquire from God, they have "trusted" friends whose counsel they hold in high esteem than the counsel of God. We can liken those in this category to the young prophet who heard God clearly but surrendered divine counsel to the misleading opinion of the old prophet. You need to consciously dissociate from old prophets who are not in tune with God.
Some persons, out of respect coupled with the fear of men have chosen to follow the counsel of their mentors or spiritual fathers even when it is clearly opposed to what God is saying or has said. When you esteem men's counsel more, the Holy Spirit won't lead you. God always look at the sincerity of heart before speaking to us. He leads those that are willing to follow. Some mentors/ spiritual fathers are possessive and domineering. They manipulate their mentees. If you find yourself under or around a man who doesn't believe God's counsel is superior to his opinion, please dissociate with wisdom.
Mentors are to guide and help make clear what is obscure by reason of depth and experience with God but they're not to take the place of Spirit in our lives. God may use your mentors to confirm whatever he tells you if they're in tune with the Spirit but they're not to take his place. Trust him to lead you aright. Do not surrender to popular opinion of men if you want to enjoy divine direction.
Father, I receive the grace to trust you totally for direction in Jesus name.