There's no doubt that one can do apparently good spiritual service and not be submitted to the Lord. Any human work or action, even so-called spiritual ones, can be perpetuated and even experience growth while uncoupled from God. Perhaps a leader rationalizes his actions by saying that God gave him a work to do, and thus the work must continue. Even though there was an initial divine imperative that guided the man, his words betray the fact that the work has become primary. When this happens the root is always that his intimate connection to God has been severed.
Right relationship is the only thing that can safeguard right guidance.
Without it the human heart inevitably descends into a morass of self-justifying impurity. A burning heart. We all are familiar with the picture of lovers separated by unfortunate circumstances experiencing an aching heart. It is an emotional state that overwhelms all thought and feeling. Yes, a heart burning inside for God.