These days, it’s crucial to watch who we hang out with. There are plenty of folks who may seem nice but are actually wolves in sheep’s clothing. God warns us about these types—they’re sent by the enemy. That’s why having discernment is so important.
Jesus also warned in Matthew 7:22-23 (NLT), “22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name. 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’” There are some people that think they’re tight with Jesus but in their hearts, they are not intimately connected to God through him. There are many who believe it’s all about doing good deeds to get into heaven, but that’s not the deal. These folks are easy prey for the enemy’s tricks, opening themselves up for his manipulation, and he uses them to trip up believers any chance he gets.
Jesus also warned in Matthew 7:22 (NLT), “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.” There are some people that think they’re tight with Jesus but in their hearts, they are not intimately connected to God through him. There are many who believe it’s all about doing good deeds to get into heaven, but that’s not the deal. These folks are easy prey for the enemy’s tricks, opening themselves up for his manipulation, and he uses them to trip up believers any chance he gets.
John 10:10 (NLT) makes it clear: “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep. In this verse, he contrasts his role with the enemy who seeks to harm the sheep—to rob us of peace, joy, and the abundant life that Christ made available. Using tactics to steal from us spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically, the devil knows just how to mess with us, especially when it comes to our relationships, whether they’re friendships or something more. We’ve got to keep our guard up as God warns in 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT), which tells us, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
Our Heavenly Father has armed us with His spiritual armor. We have His Word, the example of Christ, and the Holy Spirit that indwells us, but we’ve got to put on all that God has provided and wear it continually. Understand that the enemy never takes a break when it comes to messing with our futures, so we must remain vigilant and relentless about living through God’s power and love.
The bottom line is that in the battle against deception, our strongest defense lies in our closeness to God. By maintaining a close relationship with Him, we open ourselves up to His wisdom and guidance. Furthermore, prayer becomes our lifeline, a direct channel through which we can seek discernment and understanding. And let’s not forget that staying attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit is essential. His guidance is like having a spiritual radar that alerts us to danger and directs us towards truth. With these tools at our disposal, we not only navigate through the snares of deception but also ensure that our spiritual journey remains firmly on course, grounded in truth and protected from tricks of the enemy. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Don’t Be Fooled, Recognize Deception”, written for Walk in the Light Outreach ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!
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