Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
If it's one thing I have learned in my growing knowledge as a follower of Jesus Christ; I can confirm through experience and wisdom that: You don't always see the devil behind the smile. Today it is an understatement to say these are tough times. I'm not trying to sound somber, but life can be hard at times! Jesus is coming back. The world is in fear. COVID-19 and all the variants are running rampant. And we just can't seem to catch a break.
Now I could list all the problems out there; but one thing I do know is that the devil (and his demons) is lurking around the corner seeking whom he may devour. He feeds on vulnerability and he may approach us from a pleasing, or comforting disposition. The enemy takes joy in deceiving God's children. He likes to soothe us with lies and offer a false sense of peace. Currently, a lot of people with itching ears will easily be swayed by the devil and his schemes. Everything that sounds good to you might not actually be good for you. he [sic] may try to approach you in the form of a 'nice' friend to listen to your problems. Or he may disguise himself as a close coworker for you to vent to. He could even dress up as a pastor, a false prophet, or a devout prayer warrior promising that God will make everything alright. But really all they want to do is see you hurt, harmed, and out of God's will. (Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.)
We must stay on guard. The enemy will use anything, even scriptures to make things look like it's God-- when it's actually not. Therefore, don't be deceived by their outward appearance. Now, I'm not suggesting that you try and figure out everyone's motives and intentions. I'm also not saying ignore people altogether. But the Bible says in Matthew 7:16-20 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. If a person's life is aligned with God you'll see it; it won't even have to be explained.
Not everyone follows the principles they preach. If their lives and actions do not match what they say, then you have your answer. So, consider carefully who you take counsel from. Be mindful who you ask for advice. Be cautious of who you ask to look out for you. And be precise with who you confide in with prayer. Test every spirit and sift them by the Word of God (even this blog). Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your discernment and stay in the Word of God, to combat deception and increase your faith. In closing, we can always trust in the Lord our God to see us through this journey of life.
1 John 4:1-6 (NET) Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses Jesus as the Christ who has come in the flesh is from God,
3 but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming, and now is already in the world.
4 You are from God, little children, and have conquered them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
5 They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world’s perspective and the world listens to them.
6 We are from God; the person who knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deceit.
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