Category: discernment

The Hijacking of Jesus’ “Let Them” Concept: How Self-Help Distorts the Truth

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Yes, the concept of “let them” from Jesus’ teachings has been hijacked by modern self-help, “woke” culture, and personal development circles. These movements have taken this powerful principle of Jesus and distorted it to fit an individualistic, self-empowered narrative. But when we examine the way Jesus actually used the idea of “let them,” we see that it was not about emotional independence or detachment from others. Instead, it was about surrendering to God’s greater purpose, even in the face of rejection, offense, and misunderstanding.

Jesus’ teachings on “let them” reflect a deep, God-centered wisdom, whereas self-help culture often twists this principle into a means for self-glorification, and does not lead you to Godliness or salvation. This distortion is a prime example of how Satan comes as an “angel of light,” appearing to offer wisdom and empowerment, he comes in such an attractive package, but ultimately leading people astray from God’s truth. The deception tastes like honey but becomes bitter like gall because it is poisonous to the soul.

Jesus’ Original Meaning of “Let Them”

Jesus’ words and actions in the Gospels demonstrate a profound understanding of the concept of “let them.” Time and time again, He responds to rejection, criticism, and offense not by seeking approval or altering His message, but by trusting in God’s plan and purpose. His “let them” was about allowing people to reject Him without losing sight of His divine mission.

1. Matthew 15:14 – Let the Pharisees Be Offended

In Matthew 15:14, Jesus responds to the disciples’ concern about the Pharisees being offended by His teachings:

“Let them be; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.”

Here, Jesus demonstrates His willingness to let others be offended by His message, knowing that His mission was not about pleasing the Pharisees or any other group. The Pharisees’ rejection didn’t change the truth He was sharing. His “let them” was about not catering to their expectations and remaining faithful to God’s plan.

2. John 6:60-66 – Let Them Walk Away

In John 6:60-66, after Jesus teaches about being the Bread of Life, many of His disciples are offended and walk away:

“When many of His disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’…After this, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.”

Instead of chasing after them or softening His message, Jesus turns to the remaining disciples and asks, “Do you want to go away as well?” (John 6:67).

Jesus wasn’t concerned with losing followers—He was focused on fulfilling His divine purpose. His message wasn’t about personal comfort or building a following; it was about truth. “Let them” in this instance meant that He would allow people to walk away if they could not accept the truth He was speaking.

3. Luke 9:59-62 – Let the Dead Bury Their Own Dead

In Luke 9:59-62, Jesus tells a man who wishes to bury his father before following Him:

“Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”

Here, Jesus isn’t dismissing the importance of family but is emphasizing the urgency of His mission. He demonstrates that when it comes to following God’s will, there will be times when others’ expectations—whether cultural, familial, or social—must be set aside in order to stay aligned with God’s higher purpose.

4. Matthew 10:34-39 – Let the Division Happen

In Matthew 10:34-39, Jesus speaks about the cost of discipleship:

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother…”

In these verses, Jesus acknowledges that following Him may lead to division, and some will be offended. He encourages His followers to embrace the division, as standing firm in God’s truth is more important than seeking peace at all costs. His “let them” here is about accepting that not everyone will agree with God’s message, and that’s okay. His mission was not to please people, but to fulfill God’s plan.

How Self-Help Hijacks the “Let Them” Concept

In modern self-help culture, the “let them” idea has been hijacked and reinterpreted as a call to detach from toxic people, focus on emotional independence, and prioritize self-validation over others’ opinions. While setting healthy boundaries is important, the self-help version of “let them” distorts Jesus’ message by placing the individual at the center, promoting self-reliance and the pursuit of personal happiness, rather than surrendering to God’s divine will.

The self-help movement tells us to stop seeking external validation and to embrace our “authentic” selves. It encourages us to let go of those who do not support our personal growth or who criticize us. While these ideas might seem appealing, they miss the deeper purpose of Jesus’ “let them” concept. Jesus’ “let them” wasn’t about detaching from people or avoiding rejection for the sake of personal peace. It was about standing firm in God’s truth, even when people walk away or reject us, and trusting that God’s plan is greater than any personal comfort or approval.

Satan, as an “angel of light,” often uses these deceptive versions of truth to lead people away from God’s will. The modern self-help interpretation promotes emotional independence and self-empowerment—key ingredients for self-idolatry—rather than surrendering to God’s higher purpose.

The Core of the Deception

The self-help version of “let them” shifts the focus from God’s will to self-empowerment. It’s a subtle shift that places the individual in the center of the universe, allowing them to act based on their own desires, free from accountability to God or others. This is dangerous territory, as it leads people to idolize their own autonomy, rather than living in obedience to God’s plan.

Jesus’ “let them” was not about asserting control or avoiding discomfort for personal gain—it was about surrendering to God’s divine plan, even in the face of rejection and offense. The true “let them” is about letting go of the need for control and trusting that God’s plan is better than our own desires for approval or comfort.

The True Christian Perspective

The true Christian understanding of “let them” is about embracing God’s truth, even when it causes offense, rejection, or misunderstanding. It’s about trusting that God’s plan is greater than any human approval or personal comfort. Jesus did not allow people to walk away because He wanted to hurt them, but because He knew that rejecting God’s truth would lead to spiritual blindness, and He was willing to endure the consequences of speaking that truth.

In contrast, modern self-help distorts this by teaching that we should just walk away from people and situations that don’t serve our personal growth or happiness. While it’s important to set boundaries and protect our peace, the “let them” Jesus demonstrated goes beyond self-preservation—it’s about aligning with God’s mission, regardless of how others respond. Jesus didn’t focus on emotional independence but on aligning Himself with the will of the Father, even when it meant facing rejection or ridicule.

Conclusion: The Deception of the Self-Help “Let Them” Concept

The modern self-help interpretation of the “let them” concept is a twisted version of Jesus’ original teaching. It presents a false, self-centered version of freedom that leads individuals to idolize their own desires and emotions. Just as Satan masquerades as an angel of light, the self-help industry appears to offer truth and wisdom, but it ultimately leads people away from God’s true purpose and away from Him.

In contrast, Jesus’ “let them” was not about self-empowerment or emotional independence—it was about surrendering to God’s will, no matter the cost. True peace and fulfillment come from trusting in God’s divine plan, not in asserting control over others or seeking validation from the world. The “let them” concept, as taught by Jesus, is about standing firm in God’s truth and purpose, even when it leads to rejection, offense, or misunderstanding.

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*** Photo by David Rama at Pexels

The Search For Meaning: How Modern Idolatry Reflects Our God Shaped Longing

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From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the quiet corners of a rural village, one thing remains constant: the human tendency to idolize something. This phenomenon is not new; throughout history, people have worshiped various deities, objects, and ideals. However, the essence of modern idolatry reflects a deeper spiritual longing—a God-shaped hole in our hearts meant exclusively for Him. This inherent desire for connection with the divine often leads individuals to fill that void with worldly pursuits, resulting in a cycle of dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness.

The God-Shaped Hole: A Divine Design

The concept of a God-shaped hole in the human heart can be traced back to the idea that God created us with a longing for relationship with Him. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it is written, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” This verse suggests that God intentionally designed us with an innate desire for eternity, a yearning for something beyond ourselves.

When we do not know God as our Lord and Savior, this longing can manifest in various ways. People often seek to fill this void with things of this world: relationships, success, wealth, or material possessions. Each attempt to fill this gap with transient things ultimately leads to disappointment, as none can satisfy the deep-rooted desire for a relationship with our Creator.

The Allure of Worldly Idols

Modern idolatry often disguises itself in the form of societal values and personal ambitions. Many individuals idolize career success, celebrity culture, and the pursuit of pleasure. Social media platforms can amplify this phenomenon, presenting curated images of seemingly perfect lives, encouraging a culture of comparison and envy.

In the quest for fulfillment, people may unknowingly prioritize these worldly pursuits over their relationship with God. This displacement of affection can lead to feelings of inadequacy and emptiness. As humans chase after fleeting pleasures and possessions, they often find themselves in a cycle of unfulfilled desires, driven by the constant need for more.

The Consequences of Idolatry

When we prioritize idols over God, we risk drifting away from the very source of true fulfillment. The Bible warns against idolatry in various forms. In Exodus 20:3-5, God commands, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” This admonition emphasizes that anything we elevate above God is an idol, whether it be wealth, success, or even relationships.

The consequences of such idolatry are profound. It not only leads to spiritual stagnation but also to a profound sense of isolation. Without the foundation of a relationship with God, individuals often feel lost, disconnected, and devoid of purpose.

The Universal Search for Meaning

Across cultures and eras, the quest for meaning and fulfillment is universal. No matter where you go, you will find people idolizing something, reflecting the innate human longing for connection and purpose. From ancient rituals to modern practices, the forms may change, but the underlying desire remains: a yearning for something greater than oneself.

This universal search often leads to the creation of idols—be they material possessions, celebrity figures, or ideologies. However, these pursuits are mere substitutes for the real thing. They offer temporary satisfaction but fail to provide lasting peace and joy.

Finding Fulfillment in Christ

The only true solution to the God-shaped hole in our hearts is a relationship with Jesus Christ. John 10:10 reminds us, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” When we accept Christ as our Savior, we begin to experience the fulfillment that comes from knowing our Creator.

A relationship with God provides the ultimate source of identity, purpose, and belonging. Through Him, we find the strength to resist the allure of worldly idols, focusing instead on His eternal promises.

Conclusion: A Call to Authentic Worship

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is crucial to recognize the dangers of modern idolatry. The God-shaped hole in our hearts can only be filled by the love and grace of our Creator. As believers, we are called to identify and dismantle any idols that may have taken root in our lives, turning our hearts back to God.

Let us strive to seek Him above all else, understanding that true fulfillment is found not in the transient things of this world, but in a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. In doing so, we can experience the abundant life He promises, a life where our hearts are fully satisfied in Him alone.

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**Photo by Wild Little Things 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.

How Satan Uses Offense To Trap You

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In life, we can’t avoid experiencing offense. However, the Bible does command us as believers to ensure we are not offending other people (Luke 17:1). How you deal with it when it comes–whether you take offense and let it become a demonic trap or use it as an opportunity to grow—is really up to you. 

What’s interesting is that the word “offense” used in the New Testament is scandalon. Scandalon was the trigger of a trap on which bait is placed. When an animal touched the trigger to eat the bait, the trap would spring shut and the animal would get caught. Offense works the same way. Whether the hurt was intentional or not makes no difference—the bait is laid, and if you take it, the trap springs shut, leading to unforgiveness and bitterness. Here is how offense looks and how to overcome it.

Offense is a stumbling block to your destiny. 

The Profile of an Offended Person

  1. Entitlement – An offended person feels like they are owed something. They value what they have in themselves and feel like they worked very hard and deserve to be elevated. When they don’t receive what they believe they deserve, they feel rejected and become offended.
  2. Pride – Pride makes people blind to their own flaws and causes them to blame others for their downfall. When corrected, they interpret it as, “I messed up again,” rather than seeing it as an opportunity for growth.
  3. Focus on Unfairness – Offended people often feel that church leaders and others treat them unfairly. They get hurt when their gifts are not recognized and build resentment. Many times, God allows perceived unfairness to test and refine our character.
  4. Control – Offended people often desire to control situations. When they cannot have things their way, they get offended and leave relationships or churches. If they had stayed under strong, anointed leadership that didn’t cater to their selfish ambitions, they would have received the healing they didn’t even realize they needed.

How to Overcome Offense

Offense focuses your attention on what people did rather than what God is doing. 

It blinds you to God’s timing and purpose, keeping you stuck in bitterness instead of moving forward in faith. Here’s how to overcome it.

1. When Your Heart is Hardened, Good Things Happening to You Will Not Change It

First off, it’s important to understand that people whose hearts are hardened by offense think that if their environment changes, they will no longer be offended. But, a hardened heart does not soften just because circumstances improve.

Psalm 95:7-11 and Hebrews repeat the warning: “When you hear my voice, do not harden your heart, as in the day of wilderness, when your fathers saw my works, yet they rebelled against me.” The Israelites saw miracles, yet they remained hardened in their hearts. Even with a great leader like Moses and supernatural provision, their offense remained.

2. Take God Very Seriously, and Stop Taking Yourself Too Seriously

Secondly, know that offended people are often obsessed with themselves. In many cases, they become overly sensitive to what others say but are not sensitive enough to the Holy Spirit. Instead of living in constant offense, we should humble ourselves, focus on God, and learn to live with a servant’s heart.

3. Keep Your Heart Right When Things Are Not Right

Another key step in overcoming offense is understanding that while justice, mercy, and humility are essential, the enemy uses injustice to create offense in our hearts. If things are not right around you, don’t let your heart become sick. You can advocate for change, but never let offense take root.

4. Never Grow Out of Repentance

Next, choose to offer forgiveness to those who have hurt you. I’ve noticed that if you wait too long to forgive, your hurt will turn into bitterness and offense. Unforgiveness will do more damage to you than what others did. Growth in God means constant repentance and humility.

Never outgrow your need for repentance.

5. Lean Into Awkward Conversations

And lastly, the Bible tells us in Matthew 5:23 that, “If you bring your gift to the altar and remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there and first be reconciled.”

In other words, if you know someone is offended at you, it is your responsibility to go to them. Instead of defending yourself, hear them out, affirm their feelings, and take responsibility where necessary. Many relationships have been healed through this approach. Unfortunately, instead of going to the person, people often gossip and build “us versus them” cultures, which only fuels division and offense.

Don’t let Satan trap you; instead, choose to walk away from offense, deny yourself, and follow Jesus. I pray this helps.

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**By Vlad Savchuk at Vladimir Savchuk Ministries / Photo by ClickerHappy at Pexels

Understanding Familiar Spirits: Demons Imitating Loved Ones

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In the Bible, familiar spirits are deceptive entities, often believed to be demons, that imitate deceased loved ones. These spirits don’t just appear randomly—they are closely connected to families and individuals, having observed them for years. They know personal details and can mimic the voices, personalities, and behaviors of family members or loved ones, making them incredibly convincing. Their primary goal is to deceive, mislead, and pull people away from the truth of God.

The Bible and Familiar Spirits

The Bible warns against interacting with familiar spirits. In Leviticus 19:31, God tells His people, “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” This warning is clear: communicating with the dead or trying to summon spirits is forbidden because it opens the door to demonic influence.

One of the most notable biblical stories that shows the danger of familiar spirits involves King Saul. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul, desperate for guidance after God stopped speaking to him, visits the Witch of Endor. He asks her to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. However, instead of Samuel, a deceptive spirit appears, giving Saul false counsel. This interaction leads to Saul’s eventual downfall, proving how dangerous it is to consult spirits, even if they appear to be loved ones or revered figures.

How Demons Imitate

Demons have been around for a long time. They observe families and individuals over many years, which allows them to learn details about people’s lives. By using this knowledge, demons can impersonate deceased family members with alarming accuracy. They may appear as a deceased parent, sibling, or friend, speaking in ways that feel familiar, even down to their tone of voice and mannerisms. These imitations can be so convincing that it’s easy to believe the spirit is truly the loved one.

However, the Bible warns that these spirits are not the souls of the dead but rather demonic forces trying to deceive. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, it says, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” This means that Satan and his demons can disguise themselves as something good, something comforting, to mislead people.

The Role of Satan: A Deceiver and Murderer

Satan’s primary aim is to deceive. Jesus Himself described Satan in John 8:44 as “a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him.” Satan uses lies, manipulation, and deception to lead people away from God. He doesn’t come with obvious evil; instead, he often appears as an “angel of light”—something good, something trustworthy. This makes him incredibly dangerous, as people are more likely to follow his lies if they seem like truth.

Familiar spirits, then, are just one of Satan’s many tools. They disguise themselves as familiar, comforting figures to gain a person’s trust, making them more likely to follow their false messages. They may claim to bring messages from beyond the grave or offer advice, but in reality, their only goal is to lead people astray.

The Bible’s Truth About Life After Death

The Bible clearly teaches that after death, a person’s fate is determined. Hebrews 9:27 states, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There is no biblical support for the idea that the dead can return to communicate with the living (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, Job 7:9-10, Isaiah 8:19). Instead, Scripture indicates that the souls of the deceased are either in God’s presence (Philippians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:8, Luke 23:43) or in a place of waiting, anticipating final judgment (Luke 16:22-23, 2 Peter 2:9, Revelation 20:12-15).

Any spirit that appears to be a deceased person is not truly their soul but rather a deceptive manifestation meant to mislead. Matthew 22:32 affirms this distinction, where Jesus says, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” This passage emphasizes the separation between the living and the dead, reinforcing that once someone has passed away, they do not return to interact with the living.

How Familiar Spirits Manifest

Familiar spirits are not limited to appearing in human form; they manifest in many ways to create an emotional bond with the grieving person. These spirits have studied their target families for years, allowing them to replicate sounds, smells, appearances, and behaviors that make their deception seem more genuine.

1. Scents:

One of the most common ways familiar spirits manifest is through the use of scent. People who have lost a loved one might suddenly experience a familiar smell—such as a favorite perfume, cigarette smoke, or a unique scent that reminds them of the deceased. These smells can be incredibly powerful, evoking vivid memories and feelings of closeness. For instance, someone who recently lost a mother might suddenly smell her perfume or cooking odors from her favorite dish. While the scent seems comforting, it is important to recognize that this is a demonic attempt to manipulate emotions and reinforce the illusion that the deceased is still present.

2. Ghostly Appearances:

Familiar spirits are also known to appear as ghostly figures. People often report seeing shadows or apparitions of loved ones shortly after their passing. These ghostly figures might appear in dreams or even in the waking world, seeming to stand in the corner of a room or walk through a house. For those in deep mourning, these experiences can feel very real, and the person may believe their loved one is reaching out from the beyond. But these “ghosts” are actually demons using the appearance of the deceased to deceive and distract the grieving person from the truth.

3. Dreams and Visions:

Dreams are another common way for familiar spirits to interact with the living. A person grieving a loss may have vivid dreams in which the deceased loved one appears, offering advice, comfort, or even warnings. These dreams can seem incredibly realistic, and the emotional bond between the dreamer and the deceased can make them feel even more genuine. In these dreams, the loved one may speak words of reassurance or say something familiar, like “I’m okay now” or “Don’t worry, I’m watching over you.” These spirits often use dreams to sow confusion, making the person believe their loved one is still trying to communicate, when in fact, it is a demonic deception meant to mislead.

How to Protect Yourself from Deception

The Bible calls believers to resist the deceptive tactics of familiar spirits and to seek God’s protection. During times of grief, it is tempting to look for comfort anywhere, but turning to familiar spirits for solace is spiritually dangerous. Instead, God encourages us to find comfort in Him alone.

Ephesians 6:11 tells believers, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” The armor of God includes prayer, reading Scripture, and relying on the strength of the Holy Spirit to resist demonic influence. These spiritual practices help believers stay grounded in the truth, which protects them from the lies of familiar spirits.

Psalm 34:18 offers a promise for those grieving: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” God’s healing is the true comfort that grieving hearts need, not the false solace offered by familiar spirits.

It is also important to avoid any practice of necromancy, seeking contact with the dead, or consulting mediums. These practices open doors for demonic influence and bring spiritual danger. Instead, seek God’s Word and prayer to find peace and healing during grief.

Conclusion

Familiar spirits are one of the many ways Satan tries to deceive and lead people astray. These demons can imitate family members or loved ones who have passed away, using their knowledge of your life to appear genuine. However, the Bible teaches that once someone dies, they are either with God or awaiting judgment. Any spirit that pretends to be a loved one is a lie meant to deceive you. To protect yourself, it’s important to stay grounded in God’s truth and avoid seeking out spirits, trusting instead in His Word and guidance.

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