Category: Deception

11 Doors That Lead to Demons

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When I was young and curious, I decided it would be a good idea to go into the neighbor’s dog house. I didn’t see a dog around so I went inside. It turns out the dog was around the corner and when he sees me, he launches towards my leg and I end up getting bit. I learned a very powerful lesson that day–if you don’t want to get bitten, don’t go near the dog’s territory. 

The same thing can be said fin regards to demons. People like to believe that they can dabble in the occult or watch porn, or even smoke weed without any spiritual repercussions, but the truth is, if you step on the devil’s territory, he has every right to harass you, hurt you, and torment you. These are the most common doors that can lead to demons infiltrating your life. 

Common Open Doors

1. Generational Curses

Another way of saying it is demons that were inherited through the bloodline. For instance, if someone in the family did witchcraft and never repented and broke that off of their family, then those demons have been passed on generationally. 

The same is true when it comes to abuse or different forms of addictions.

2. An Unwanted Pregnancy 

If the child in the womb is hated, not desired, or rejected since birth by the parents or the family, then that gets transmitted to the child. This opens the door for a spirit of rejection to affect the child throughout their life. It also manifests through rebellion as the child grows up.

3. Growing Up in a Broken Home

When a child grows up in a broken home, it does not only create emotional and cognitive issues, but also spiritual ones. As the child is faced with uncertainty and pressures that they are not equipped to handle at such a young age, demons can use this instability to harass and torment the child/person. This environment is a facilitator for the spirit of anger and hatred to come in at a very young age. 

4. Involvement in the Occult

When you dabble into the occult, you are choosing to blatantly engage with the demonic. The occult ranges from astrology, witchcraft, tarot cards, black/white magic, ouija boards, horoscopes, talking to the dead etc. 

Even though our culture seems to have accepted, and even embraced these practices, Scripture has not changed, and continues to condemn it and the practice of it.

5. Taking Part in a False Religion

There are some believers that desire to learn about other religions saying that they want to win those people to the Lord. Now, this is a good thing to a certain point. There is a certain line that must be kept in order to refrain from opening the doors to demons, because what can end up happening is that a believer will begin to study the other religion so much that they become so open minded and accept all truths, that they start to deny what the Bible claims. That is where it gets dangerous and could lead to deception. 

6. Bringing Demonic Objects Into Your Life

The spiritual world is real, and spiritual power can flow through people, places, animals and objects. In fact, the Bible shows us that God used Moses’s rod, the waters of Jordan to heal, the saliva of Jesus to open the eyes of the blind and even the handkerchief of Paul. God can use any avenue to bring about healing. In the same way, the enemy can use objects to bring about his plans of destruction to your life. 

This includes occult books, things that have been ritually “cleansed”, charms, dreamcatchers, etc. By bringing these items into your home, you are opening your life and your home to the demonic.

7. Abuse

This is probably the most common open door in the West. Abuse causes deep inner wounds that give way for demons to cause further torment for that individual.

As unfair as this is, we must understand that the spiritual world works in accordance to spiritual laws. WHen an abuse happens, it automatically opens a door for a demon. 

8. Illicit Sexual Encounters

Sex is not just a physical act, it has spiritual repercussions. Because it is spiritual in nature, it affects the soul, the mind, and the emotions. 

An individual become one flesh, according to Scripture, with the partner they come together with (1 Cor. 6:16). Demons can be transferred from one person to another by partaking in sexual acts outside of marriage.

9. Abortion

When we commit an injustice towards others it brings a curse upon our life. The Bible is very clear in saying that murder is sin, and therefore brings about a curse on our lives (Matthew 5:21-22). 

10. Ungodly Entertainment

When we begin to fill up our time and out life with ungodly sources of entertainment, they could lead the way to an open door. Movies, T.V. shows, and music are all portals that satan can use to influence the minds of people. If you are not careful about what you watch and listen to, its influence will become stronger in your life. 

11. A Moment of Weakness

The devil looks for moments of weakness to try and enter into our lives. We’re not perfect people, and sometimes we can snap, act in a way that is not right, or watch something we shouldn’t have. When we don’t repent to God and to the person we hurt, and then change our behavior, then that’s where it could become an open door. This happens when the person chooses the sin instead of turning from it.

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*** By Vladimir Savchuk / Photo by Merve at Pexels

Nothing New Under the Sun: Jezebel and the New Age Movements

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“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” ~ Colossians 2:8

Wicked women are presented as they truly are in the Bible—without any attempt to sanitize their lives or actions. One such infamous figure is Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab of Israel. She was not a believer in the one true God, and her reign over northern Israel marked the introduction and spread of a false religion—worship of Baal. This religion quickly took hold because Jezebel became a role model for many women of her time. Her religion was rooted in the worship of Baal, or Satan, who is behind all false religions.

To please the queen was politically savvy, so she filled Israel with 850 priests practicing her religion, leading the people further astray. Jezebel’s impact was profound and deeply harmful, as she turned the nation away from the true God.

The Parallels Between Baal Worship and the New Age Movement

“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 4:4

Do you want to know what Jezebel’s religion was like? We are witnessing the rise of a similar, swift, and powerful religion sweeping the planet today—the New Age / Golden Age Movement. This belief system, like the false worship of Baal, denies the existence of a personal God who loves His people. Instead, it promotes an impersonal, universal energy force. In the New Age Movement, God can be referred to in many ways— she or he, mother or father, god or goddess, the Earth, the sun, the stars, or even nature itself can be worshipped as God. New Age teachers claim to receive guidance from so-called “spirit guides,” “ascended masters,” “masters of wisdom” “angels,” and “higher beings,” all of whom make up the hierarchy of this movement. They state that some of their guides are angels.

However, Jezebel’s priests, when confronted by the prophet Elijah, were exposed for their reliance on demonic forces – fallen angels, whilst practicing their false religion. Elijah challenged all 850 of them to prove the power of their gods, demonstrating that their supposed deities were powerless before the one true God. When they failed, the false nature of their religion was revealed, along with their demon guides posing as angels.

The New Age Movement bears striking similarities to Jezebel’s worship of Baal. For example, the New Age movement claims that Jesus Christ was merely a reincarnated messenger—not the Son of God. They assert that Christ was sent by the demon hierarchy of angels to provide “spiritually advanced revelations” to their group. In fact, they teach that Jesus is just one of many “Christs,” alongside figures like Buddha, Mohammed, and Confucius. This system accepts anyone who rejects Jesus Christ as the Son of God—whether they are Shintoists, Satanists, Buddhists, secular humanists, witches, or anyone else who doesn’t acknowledge the truth or accept the Christ, and that He is a personal God. They teach that man is not sinful, nor evil, and that Jesus’s sacrifice on the Cross has no meaning, according to them it was meaningless.

Moreover, the New Age Movement denies the existence of sin, judgment, and the need for salvation. Instead, it teaches that humanity has evolved over thousands of years and that there is no need for a savior. This philosophy is the basis of all false religions; rooted in ancient lies, echoing the deceptions of Satan, who hides the reality of judgment, hell, and sin, and all of his followers do the same, because they have been blinded to the truth. It’s no surprise that Jezebel’s actions—her cheating, lying, and murder—were reflections of her allegiance to Satan, the father of lies. Her conscience was so seared with unbelief in the one true God that she had no fear of judgment, she never expected to meet a righteous and holy God one day, who will judge her for things done in the flesh, her thoughts, her deeds and her motives.

Modern Echoes: The Age of Aquarius

Today, the New Age Movement is spreading rapidly, with some even calling it the “Age of Aquarius.” Many people are drawn to its teachings, including secular humanists, witches, Satanists, and celebrities. One prominent TV and movie star has become a spokesperson for the movement, claiming to receive instructions from an ancient being, that tells her things and guides her. This celebrity, like Jezebel, serves as a role model for many, leading others into deception.

The New Age Movement teaches that being “born again” is simply a personal transformation or healing of the self. It says that you must “let go” and allow your “inner guide” or “higher self” to direct your life, without any belief or need for the Holy Spirit and Him indwelling you. They speak of something called “kundalini,” a Hindu term meaning “serpent power,” which has clear connections to Satan. This mimics spiritual experiences, but it is a counterfeit of true Christian transformational quality of the Holy Spirit.

Satan, as always, has counterfeited the things of Jesus Christ and Christianity. The New Age Movement, much like the false prophets in Jezebel’s time, speaks of a “Christ-like” figure who will come to establish a utopian Kingdom of peace on Earth, that he will reign over the new age, bringing about a one world religion and consolidating all nations into one government. This is eerily similar to the Antichrist, who will deceive many and promise a one-world government and a counterfeit peace—something the Bible warns will happen before the true return of Jesus Christ.

Distinguishing Truth from Deception

In a nutshell, here is what the New Age Movement teaches:

• God is impersonal; He is not loving, He can be a he or she, but not the sovereign, holy, and righteous God of the Bible.

• Jesus is not the Son of God, not the Christ and someone greater than Jesus will come, not realising there will be an anti-Christ connected to Satan, who will try to imitate the Christ, as we have been forewarned in scriptures.

• There is no need for being born again, as they reject the Holy Spirit and encourage people to follow their demon guides.

• And about the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ that the anti-Christ will rule in Earth and Heaven is the Kingdom of God during the Age of Aquarius and that it is not a real place, but merely an Earthly utopia.

• There is no sin, judgment, evil or hell.

As believers in Christ, we know these claims are false. We have the truth from the Bible, which tells us that God is our loving Father, He is not a she or a goddess, but the supreme being. Jesus is His only begotten Son, the express image of the invisible God, and salvation comes through Him alone. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, dwells within us, guiding and empowering us to live according to God’s will. Heaven is a real, physical place where God the Father and God the Son reign in glory, and hell is a real and horrible place for those who reject the truth of the gospel. Through the Holy Spirit, we are assured of our salvation and strengthened in our faith as we await eternal life with God. He tells us that angels are messengers of God and named in scripture and He tells us to be born again, by the spirit of God by receiving Jesus as our personal Saviour.

A Call to Stand Firm in the Truth

Throughout history, God has warned His people about false religions. From Jezebel’s priests to the builders of the Tower of Babel, we have seen it through the ages. These instances of idolatry and rebellion against God serve as lessons for us today. Even in Noah’s time, when wickedness was rampant, God had to destroy the world with a flood. This, too, is a forewarning for us today. Jesus Himself tells us in Matthew 24 that when we see the same kinds of lawlessness and rebellion happening again, it is a sign that His return is near.

In Matthew 24:29-30, Jesus speaks of the signs preceding His second coming: “Immediately after the distress of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken. Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven.”

We know that in the end times, false prophets will rise up to deceive even the elect (Matthew 24:24). Deception has led to destruction throughout the ages, and it will culminate in the final days before Jesus’ return. This New Age Movement, like its predecessors, may fade into the background only to be replaced by another. Yet, there is the real possibility that this movement could lead to the rise of the Antichrist, who will deceive many with promises of peace and a one-world government. Scripture warns us that the Antichrist will set up his rule on Earth, even establishing himself in Jerusalem and claiming to be the Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). However, we who know the Bible recognize this for the lie that it is.

Jesus warned: “If anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it” (Matthew 24:26). His true return will not be secret or localized. We are told in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 that He will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. The dead in Christ will rise first, and those who are still alive will be caught up to meet Him in the air. This event, known as the rapture, will take place in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye (1 Corinthians 15:52).

Jesus will gather His elect and take them to be with Him for seven years, during which time the Great Tribulation will unfold on Earth. After this period, He will return with His saints to establish His Kingdom on Earth and reign for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-6). Unlike the false peace promised by the New Age Movement, this will be the true and lasting reign of the Prince of Peace.

We are warned in Scripture that the Antichrist will bring about a false peace and deceive many. Jesus Himself cautioned us against following these lies. We are also reminded of the lessons of history—Jezebel and her false prophets led Israel into idolatry, and the builders of the Tower of Babel sought to defy God’s sovereignty. These stories serve as warnings for us today. Wide is the gate that leads to destruction, but narrow is the gate that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).

As believers, we look forward to the Lord’s return. By God’s grace, we will not be caught up in the ecumenical movement or New Age ideologies that attempt to unify all religions and philosophies into one deceptive system. This “Age of Aquarius” promises enlightenment and unity but leads people to follow the Antichrist instead of Christ. The Bible is clear: there can be no lasting peace on Earth until Jesus Himself returns to set up His Kingdom.

We must stand firm in the truth, remembering Jesus’ words and promises. Let us choose the narrow path that leads to life. Choose wisely—choose Christ!

Conclusion: Lessons from Jezebel and the Bible

God’s sovereignty remains unshaken; He knows the beginning from the end. The warnings drawn from Jezebel’s life and scripture provide us with timeless clarity. As Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us, “There is nothing new under the sun.” Satan’s methods of deception have not changed, and false religions like the New Age / Golden Age Movement are modern manifestations of these ancient lies. These deceptions, cloaked in promises of enlightenment, peace, and unity, echo the spiritual rebellion seen in Jezebel’s time, the Tower of Babel, and countless other moments in history.

Even those movements that claim to acknowledge Christ often compromise truth, embracing all religions in the name of an ecumenical ‘unity and peace.’ This push toward a one-world religion is yet another ploy by Satan, setting the stage for the rise of the Antichrist, who will seek to establish his rule over a one-world government. Scripture warns us of this, and as believers, we are called to be vigilant.

Our anchor is the Word of God. We must remain grounded, discerning, and uncompromising in our faith. The false promises of movements like the New Age and the allure of unity at the expense of truth must be rejected. Instead, we fix our eyes on Christ, awaiting His glorious return when He will establish His eternal Kingdom—a Kingdom of true peace and righteousness.

Let us hold fast to God’s promises, stand firm in His truth, and keep our hearts prepared for the day when the Prince of Peace will reign forever.

The free gift of salvation

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“Nothing New Under the Sun” is adapted from Eleanor Page’s talk on ‘Jezebel’ in the ‘Women in the Bible’ series, broadcasted on BBN Radio / Photo by RDNE Stock at Pexels.

Eyes Wide Open: The Power of Media to Shape Hearts and Shift Morality

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There was a time when I didn’t think twice about the movies and shows I watched. I laughed at what everyone else laughed at, cried when the story tugged at my emotions, and admired characters without questioning what they stood for. But everything changed after I came to faith in Christ.

Not long ago, I rewatched a romantic comedy I had once loved. It was a film I held dear—charming, funny, nostalgic. I remembered how much I had enjoyed it years ago, but this time, something was different. This time, I watched it with the eyes of someone who had encountered the truth, someone who now walks with a different awareness. And what I saw left me shaken.

Nearly every other sentence used the Lord’s name as a curse word. What once seemed harmless banter now rang out like blasphemy—frequent, casual, and cruel. The main character—beautiful, talented, and successful—was once a woman I admired, but she was now entangled in a lifestyle of lies, manipulation, and adultery. She disrespected her husband, deceived those around her, and used charm to justify selfish choices. Her mother was portrayed as discontented with her own life and subtly pushed her married daughter toward dissatisfaction with a simpler lifestyle, ridiculing the values of motherhood, humility, and faithfulness. She encouraged her to leave their ‘smallville’ town in search of the bright lights and the big city—not as a path of growth, but as an escape from commitment, accountability and responsibility. The underlying strategic message was clear: the “good life” was somewhere else, in ambition, indulgence, and reinvention, not in commitment, family values, or truth. The film subtly redefined the concept of success and fulfillment, positioning personal freedom, indulgence in desires, and career achievement as the ultimate goals, while traditional values like loyalty, sacrifice, and the stability of family were dismissed as limiting or oppressive.

What struck me was not just the flawed character arcs, but the intentional rewriting of cultural values—an attempt to normalize what was once taboo. The entertainment industry, as a whole, has been shaped and influenced by the enemy, whose agenda is to distort the truth and lead people astray, especially young, impressionable minds. It’s no coincidence that so much darkness and evil is perpetuated within this realm; the battle for our hearts, minds, and souls is at play, and the media is one of the most powerful tools in the enemy’s arsenal. What once might have been seen as morally questionable is now portrayed as aspirational.

As I reflected on the film, I realized that this wasn’t simply an attempt at entertainment—it was a carefully crafted message, one that sought to shift cultural norms and redefine what was considered a fulfilling and “good life.” The scriptwriters, perhaps unknowingly or knowingly, were helping to push the enemy’s agenda, one that celebrates selfishness, rebellion, immorality and indulgence, while undermining the virtues of faith, family, and integrity. In fact, years later, these ideas have not only become mainstream but are now the norm. What was once taboo is now accepted as truth, revealing how deeply media and entertainment shape societal values, often with consequences far more destructive than we realize.

What made it even more striking was the setting of the story—deep in the American South, in a region often referred to as the Bible Belt. A place long associated with faith, family, tradition, and moral grounding. And yet, it was there, in the symbolic heart of American values, that the storyline unraveled everything sacred. This wasn’t just storytelling—it was commentary. A deliberate effort to show that even the strongholds of faith and stability could be swayed, mocked, and redefined under the glow of entertainment.

That experience opened my eyes wider than ever before. It wasn’t just that one film. I started noticing how pervasive the pattern was across all media. Themes of lust, greed, selfishness, rebellion, and deceit aren’t just present—they’re celebrated. Traditional values are often portrayed as outdated or oppressive, while sin is rebranded as empowerment and “freedom.” The sacred is desecrated, and the profane is glorified. Whether in subtle suggestions or overt messaging, media is teaching people—especially the young—what to think, how to live, and what to desire.

It’s no secret that the average young person spends over eight hours a day consuming media. Compare that to the three to six minutes of meaningful conversation many families have per day, and it becomes obvious who is doing the most shaping. Media has become the new pulpit, the storyteller, the educator, and in many ways, the god of modern culture. And make no mistake—it is not neutral.

This realization hit me deeply—not just as a viewer, but as someone who once contributed to this. Out of ignorance, I took part in projects I now regret. Back then, I didn’t fully understand how even small storytelling choices—across any medium—could shape hearts and minds. But now I do.

Media has the power to shape hearts, dreams, and minds. That’s why it’s so important that those of us who believe in truth, in beauty, in holiness—those of us who follow Christ—step up and use our creative gifts with intention. It’s not enough to avoid the bad; we must create the good. We must tell stories that elevate rather than tear down, that build up rather than mock, that honor God rather than offend Him.

Media will continue to shape the minds of future generations. The question is: who will be behind the stories they consume? Will it be those who care nothing for what is right, or will it be those who understand the power of every frame, every line, and every song to either bless or poison the soul? This isn’t just a cultural issue—it’s a spiritual one. The battle for our hearts, minds, and souls is real, and that’s why we must be mindful not only of what we consume but also of what we create and support. Every post, script, song, and image we contribute has an impact. We are either adding to the noise or offering clarity, either echoing darkness or shining light.

So how do we counteract the flood of harmful media messages? Through faith, discernment, and courage. We must:

Be selective with media: Choose what you consume carefully, ensuring it aligns with your values and faith. Is it promoting virtues that honor God or embracing ideas that undermine truth?

Set boundaries: Create limits around your media consumption, such as avoiding certain genres or shows, restricting screen time, or setting dedicated times for media use to avoid mindless scrolling.

Create media with purpose: If you’re a creator, remember that what you produce has an impact on others. Use your talents to tell stories that uplift, encourage, and promote integrity, love, and truth.

Engage in dialogue: Discuss the media you consume with others—family, friends, or fellow believers. This helps reinforce your values and discern the truth from deception.

Immerse yourself in God’s Word: Regular time in Scripture equips you to recognize what conflicts with God’s truth. Prayer and the Word help you filter out messages that do not align with God’s will.

Pray for discernment: Ask God for wisdom in choosing what to consume and understanding the messages behind what you watch or hear.

As we guard our hearts and minds, we actively shape the culture around us, reflecting the truth that strengthens and nourishes. The battle for our hearts is constant, and it starts with being aware of what we allow in. We must choose carefully—not just what we watch, but also how we engage with the world, knowing that every choice has an impact.

Let us be the generation that doesn’t just consume culture—but transforms it.

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** Photo by Ron Lach at Pexels

The Modern-Day Concubine: A Hard Truth About Relationships Many Women Ignore

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Throughout history, women have sought love, commitment, and security in their relationships. In ancient times, society drew clear lines between women who were chosen as wives and those who were simply kept around—often referred to as concubines. These women were valued enough to be close to a man, bear his children, and share parts of his life, but they were never truly prioritized.

Today, this pattern still exists—just without the formal titles. Many women unknowingly find themselves in this role: loyal, supportive, giving, and deeply invested in a man who never truly planned to choose them.

Even in biblical times, concubines had certain protections. A man was expected to care for them, and they had legal recognition—though still held a lower status than a wife. But their futures were always uncertain, entirely dependent on the man’s goodwill. Hagar, who bore Abraham a son, was eventually cast out. Bilhah and Zilpah bore children for Jacob but were never truly honored like his wives. Solomon had hundreds of concubines—part of his household, but not part of his heart.

These women were there for convenience, not commitment. That same dynamic plays out in modern relationships. A woman may devote years to a man—giving him loyalty, emotional support, even intimacy—hoping one day he’ll choose her as his wife. But all too often, he never does. Not because she isn’t worthy, but because he was never planning to.

Modern relationships often blur lines. A woman might find herself doing everything a wife does—supporting him through hard times, helping financially, being emotionally available, sharing her body—without ever receiving a true commitment in return. She believes her loyalty will eventually be rewarded. That if she just proves her love, he’ll see her worth and decide to marry her. But the painful truth is, most men don’t need years to decide. When a man is serious about a woman, he makes his intentions clear. When he’s not, he delays, distracts, and avoids.

It’s not that he’s confused—it’s that he’s comfortable. He’s benefiting from the relationship, so he sees no reason to change it. Many men will gladly take the emotional support, sexual access, companionship, and even financial help without offering anything long-term in return. That’s not love. That’s selfishness. It’s using someone’s time and heart while keeping her in a holding pattern.

A man who doesn’t see you as “the one” from the beginning is unlikely to suddenly change his mind after years of taking what he wants. He already knows—you’re just not the one he’s planning to marry.

Signs Your a Placeholder

If you’re unsure where your relationship stands, pay careful attention to these patterns. Each is a strong signal that you may be giving wife-level commitment while he’s giving you only convenience.

1. Years together, marriage is always “someday.” Men who really intend to marry rarely need multiple years to decide; most make up their minds within the first twelve months or so. When the timeline keeps sliding—finances, career, “not ready”—he’s comfortable, not confused.

2. You’re kept on the edge of his life, not in the center. A man who sees a future with you naturally weaves you into it. If you still haven’t met family or close friends, or you’re left out of meaningful decisions, he’s keeping emotional and social distance for a reason.

3. You do everything a wife does—without the title or security. Cooking, cleaning, sharing bills, late-night emotional support, sexual intimacy—yet no clear plan for marriage. That’s not partnership; it’s a one-sided arrangement where he enjoys the benefits while you carry the risk.

4. Serious talk about marriage makes him vague or defensive. When a man wants a woman as his wife, he can talk about it openly. If he diverts, jokes, or offers fuzzy promises with no dates or steps attached, take the dodge at face value: he isn’t planning what you are.

5. After leaving you, he marries someone else quickly. This stings, but it’s common. Commitment was never the obstacle; finding the person he wanted to commit to was. His sudden readiness shows he always knew what he was looking for—he simply didn’t see it with you.

If these signs sound familiar, your relationship may lack real intent. Love yourself enough to step back and make room for a man who will move toward you with clarity, not excuses.

You can’t earn someone’s desire to commit. You can’t force a man to value you by giving more, sacrificing more, or waiting longer. The more you give without receiving commitment, the more you teach him that you’ll tolerate uncertainty.

While not every man who delays is acting with malicious intent, many do know they have no plan to marry—and still keep the relationship going because it benefits them. That’s selfish.

You deserve more than to be someone’s “good enough for now.” You deserve intentional love. If a man truly sees you as his future, he won’t string you along. He won’t leave you guessing. His actions will speak. He will introduce you to the people who matter. He’ll talk about the future with you in it. He will lead with clarity, not confusion.

This isn’t just about emotional health—it’s also about spiritual alignment. If you believe in God’s design for love and marriage, then you know deep emotional and physical intimacy was meant to exist under the covering of commitment. That boundary isn’t about shame—it’s about protection. When we step outside of that design, we often find heartbreak, not fulfillment.

You are not a placeholder. You are not a convenience. You are not a modern-day concubine waiting to be chosen. You are a woman of value—meant to be pursued with intention, loved with integrity, and honored with commitment.

Don’t settle for someone who keeps you in the shadows while waiting for someone else to shine in the light.

Know your worth. Trust God’s timing. And remember: the right man won’t need convincing. He’ll recognize the blessing you are—and treat you like one from the very start.

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** Photo by Philip Justin Mamelic at Pexels

6 Hidden Forms of Adultery: Betrayal Beyond the Physical Act

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Adultery is often equated with physical infidelity, such as engaging in sexual relations outside of a committed relationship. However, adultery can manifest in various forms beyond the physical act. In today’s digital age and evolving relationship dynamics, emotional, mental, and virtual infidelities can be just as damaging as any physical transgression. Understanding these non-physical forms of infidelity is crucial for recognizing the many ways in which trust can be violated within a relationship.

1. Emotional Infidelity

One of the most common forms of non-physical adultery is emotional infidelity. This occurs when a person develops an intimate emotional connection with someone outside of their committed relationship. Friendships with the opposite sex, though often perceived as innocent, can unknowingly foster this type of bond. Emotional infidelity involves sharing deep personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences with someone other than a spouse. While it may not involve physical contact, the emotional closeness formed can lead to feelings of betrayal, especially when the intimacy shared with a friend mirrors or even surpasses the closeness meant for the partner. This shift in emotional focus creates distance in the primary relationship, leading to tension, dissatisfaction, and a slow breakdown of trust.

Many physical affairs begin as emotional infidelity. A strong emotional connection creates a foundation for attraction, making individuals more vulnerable to temptation. Men and women were designed to be attracted to each other, meaning that these so-called “harmless” friendships are often anything but. When a man or woman spends increasing amounts of time with a friend of the opposite sex instead of investing that time in their spouse, it’s not just a misplaced priority—it’s an erosion of the marriage. That time should be strengthening the marital bond, not fostering closeness with someone else.

The danger lies in the fact that, more often than not, one person in the friendship is being dishonest—whether with themselves or their friend. They may claim the relationship is purely platonic, but deep down, they’re waiting for an opportunity. They stay in the wings, hoping that one day a door will open—perhaps when the marriage hits a rough patch or when the emotional bond between the spouses weakens—and they can slide in. This is why emotional infidelity is so deceptive. It doesn’t happen in an instant but through small compromises over time, until the lines between friendship and something more are completely blurred.

Bible Verse:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can understand it?” – Jeremiah 17:9 (Emotional attachments can distort the heart and create hidden paths to betrayal.)

2. Online or Virtual Infidelity

With the rise of digital communication, the line between platonic interaction and infidelity has blurred. Online or virtual infidelity refers to engaging in flirtatious or sexual conversations with someone outside the relationship through social media, messaging apps, or online dating platforms. These interactions, while not physically intimate, can form emotional or sexual bonds that undermine trust. Often, this kind of behavior is hidden, which makes it even more damaging. The anonymity and distance provided by digital platforms can also lead to behaviors that would not otherwise occur in person.

Bible Verses:

“But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28 (This highlights how virtual or emotional acts can be as damaging as physical ones when they involve lust or attraction outside of the marriage.)

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ … – Matthew 5:27

3. Sexual Fantasies about Someone Else

Though often overlooked, sexual fantasies about someone other than a partner can also be considered a form of adultery. While thinking about someone else sexually does not involve direct action, it can signify a lack of emotional and sexual connection with the primary partner. Repeated fantasies about another person can cause emotional distress, especially if they become a focal point of desire or attention. When sexual thoughts stray far from the partner, it leads to a disconnection or dissatisfaction within the relationship, it is also a form of betrayal.

Bible Verses:

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” – James 1:14-15 (This verse speaks to how lustful thoughts can lead to destructive actions, even if not physically acted upon.)

“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” – Hebrews 13:4

4. Secretive Behavior or Deception

A common way that adultery can occur without physical acts is through secretive behavior or deception. This could involve hiding communications with someone outside the relationship, such as secret text messages, phone calls, or meetings. Even if these interactions are not overtly romantic, the fact that they are kept hidden can breed a sense of dishonesty or betrayal. The lack of transparency can erode trust and make the other partner feel disrespected, as it undermines the integrity of the relationship, even without any physical intimacy.

Bible Verses:

“For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.” – Luke 8:17 (All secret actions will eventually come to light, and the damage done is often just as harmful as physical acts of infidelity.)

5. Inappropriate Touching or Flirting

While not as overt as full physical infidelity, inappropriate touching or flirting with someone outside the relationship can also constitute adultery. This behavior might involve leading someone on, engaging in flirtatious conversations, or even inappropriate physical contact, such as touching that is more intimate than what would be acceptable in a platonic setting. Such actions can erode the boundaries of the relationship, creating confusion. It may not be “cheating” in the traditional sense, but it certainly reflects a disregard for the emotional safety and trust of the partner.

Bible Verse:

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:18 (The Bible encourages fleeing from sexual temptation in all forms, whether physical or emotional.)

6. Using Pornography or Seeking Other Sexual Content

In many relationships, seeking out pornography or other forms of sexual content can be viewed as a form of infidelity. For some people, the use of pornography can signify emotional or sexual dissatisfaction in the relationship. If one partner seeks out these materials in secret or uses them as a substitute for intimacy within the relationship, it can create a rift between partners. The partner might feel neglected, replaced, or unimportant, leading to a breakdown in intimacy and trust. In this case, the betrayal is not physical, but the emotional impact can be profound.

Bible Verses:

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.” – Job 31:1 (This verse speaks to the importance of protecting one’s thoughts and avoiding lustful images, which is often the core issue with pornography.)

“For God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” – Hebrews 13:4 (The use of pornography often constitutes sexual immorality, which the Bible warns against.)

Conclusion

While physical infidelity remains the most recognized form of adultery, it is important to understand that betrayal can occur in many other ways. Emotional connections, online interactions, secretive behaviors, and even mental or sexual distractions can all serve to undermine the trust and intimacy of a relationship. In many cases, these actions are forms of emotional betrayal, as they erode the bond between partners and leave lasting scars on the relationship.

A good rule of thumb to remember is this: if you wouldn’t say or do something in front of your spouse, then it’s likely not appropriate. This can serve as a clear boundary to help avoid crossing lines that may hurt your partner emotionally or otherwise. However, some individuals may knowingly disregard these boundaries, which only further damages the relationship.

One of the most overlooked yet dangerous forms of emotional betrayal is developing close friendships with the opposite sex. What starts as an innocent connection can quickly evolve into misplaced emotional intimacy. Time spent confiding in or prioritizing a friend over one’s spouse slowly weakens the marriage. These friendships often involve at least one person who secretly hopes for an opportunity—waiting for a weak moment to slide in when the marriage faces challenges. The reality is that men and women are naturally drawn to one another, and ignoring this truth can lead to dangerous compromises.

To protect a relationship from these hidden forms of infidelity, couples must set firm boundaries. This includes avoiding excessive time alone with friends of the opposite sex, keeping conversations appropriate and transparent, and ensuring that emotional support comes from the marriage rather than outside relationships. Open communication, mutual respect, and clear boundaries are essential in maintaining a healthy, trustworthy partnership. Recognizing these subtler forms of infidelity allows couples to address potential issues early and protect the integrity of their relationship.

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** More on this topic, tangible ways to discern the signs of adultery “discerning adultery” video by Bindi Marc / Photo by Cottonbro studio at Pexels