Do  you realize you can be following something, a person, a ministry, and think it’s of God only to find out it’s not.  That’s why Christian discernment matters more than ever in this digital age. It can start out looking good. Sounding good. Even feeling right. But over time it can shift. It can turn into something else entirely, and you won’t even recognize it unless you’re growing in the word of God and developing spiritual discernment.

We are living in a time where influence is everywhere.  People build ministries on instagram.  Podcast gain traction overnight.  Thousands share motivational messages and prophetic words everyday.  But the truth is, not every voice is from God.

And here’s the hard part. Deception doesn’t always look dark.   It can hide behind prayer. It can come wrapped in scripture.  It can quote the bible. It may move people emotionally but lacks true meaning.  And if we’re not careful, we can end up following someone that slowly pulls us away from the sacredness of God’s truth.

Deception Can Be Disguised as Light

One of the most dangerous forms of deception is the kind that looks like righteousness.  Deception can be a giver. It can look generous, anointed, spirit-led, but be completely detached from the presence and authority of Christ. You might see someone giving freely, sowing into others, hosting prayer calls, launching non profit ministries and it all looks holy.  But if you’re not spiritually rooted, you might miss the fact that Christ is not actually at the center.

Deception can use

  • Giving as a performance
  • Prayer as a tool to appear spiritual
  • Money as a measure of favor
  • Ministry as a mask for manipulation

And it’s subtle. It starts out with good words and kind gestures, but it slowly becomes about self.  Self-promotion. Self-worship. Self-importance.  The enemy’s trick is to make it look like God while quietly removing him from the foundation.  You think you’re following a spirit-filled voice, but you’re being spiritually controlled and drained.  What sounds like truth is just emotion.  What looks like kingdom is actually culture. But overtime it can shift.

And here’s the thing.  Cults don’t always look like what we see in movies.  Sometimes their built online through spiritual influence that gradually becomes controlling, manipulative,  and centered around a single person instead of Christ.  You’ll know it when prayer becomes pressure, giving becomes demanded, and the person at the top is constantly being exalted while Jesus is quietly pushed to the side.

 

What Does The Bible Say About This

God has already warned us that not everything that looks good is good. And not every voice is his voice.

1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.

Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine.

2 Corinthians 11:14 Even satan disguises himself as an angel of light.

 

How To Stay Rooted In Truth  Through Christian Discernment

So how do you practice Christian discernment in a world full of voices, platforms, and spiritual noise especially online?

Stay in the Word

There is no substitute for reading the bible for yourself.  God’s word is the only filter you can fully trust.

Test the fruit, not just words 

A ministry or message may sound good, but what is the fruit? Are lives being changed  pushing you toward Christ? Is humility and holiness present?  Is Jesus glorified?

Don’t idolize gifts 

Just because someone is gifted in speaking, teaching, or giving doesn’t mean they are surrendered to God.  Don’t confuse charisma with calling.

Keep your heart aligned with the Holy Spirit

Ask the Lord to check your heart.  Ask him to show you what you’ve been following that may not be from him.

Protect your sacred time 

Be slow to give your attention and loyalty.  The secret place with God is still the safest place.

 

Deception doesn’t always show up loud and obvious.  Sometimes it comes in soft tones, emotional moments and powerful branding.  You won’t catch it if you’re spiritually casual. But if you stay in God’s word, stay close to him, you’ll begin to see what others can’t.

You’ll recognize what’s off.  You’ll feel the nudge when something sounds good but isn’t God.  And you’ll know when to unfollow, unsubscribe, and unplug for the sake of your soul.  Walking away quietly, peacefully, and prayerfully is the most honoring thing that you can do for God, for yourself, and for them.