Let’s face it! We’ve all been duped at some point. That “can’t-miss” diet or exercise program ended up being a fleeting fad, or a slick advertisement convinced us to buy a product that failed to deliver. Deception can be sneaky and persuasive and as Christians, we’re not exempt from its reach; especially in these tumultuous end times. In fact, Jesus warned us that deception would be a hallmark of the last days, with false prophets and false messiahs deceiving even the elect (Matthew 24:24).
Some people believe they’re immune to deception, thinking, “I’d never fall for something so obvious!”. It often sneaks in when we’re least prepared, during moments of vulnerability, like exhaustion, stress or distraction. That’s when the enemy’s tactics can catch us off guard. Discernment is a spiritual gift mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:10, allowing us to distinguish between truth and error. Just as a physical compass helps us navigate unfamiliar territory, discernment guides us through the complexities of the end times.
Think of it like navigating a maze. Here are some potential dead ends to watch out for:
Fake News Prophets (Matthew 24:24): The Bible warns of false prophets and messiahs who will arise in the end times, attempting to mislead us. These individuals may perform impressive signs or claim special knowledge, but their teachings will contradict Scripture.
Watered-Down Gospel: A watered-down gospel message focuses solely on God’s love and forgiveness, while neglecting the importance of repentance, living a holy life, and the consequences of sin. The Bible emphasizes both God’s grace and His call to obedience (Romans 6:1-2).
Shady “Christian” Leaders: Sadly, some individuals in positions of leadership may promote practices or beliefs that contradict biblical teachings. Always test what you hear against Scripture and pray for wisdom in discerning truth (James 1:5).
Social Media Smoke and Mirrors: The internet can be a breeding ground for misinformation disguised as truth. Be discerning about the information you consume online, and verify everything against reliable sources (Proverbs 14:15).
Prosperity Gospel Glitches: The “prosperity gospel” teaches that financial wealth and success are guaranteed for those who have enough faith. This contradicts Scripture, which emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s kingdom first and trusting in His provision (Matthew 6:33).
Sneaky Spiritual Teachings: Books, podcasts, or even seemingly “Christian” resources might subtly promote New Age or occult ideas that contradict biblical teachings. Always compare new teachings with Scripture and seek guidance from trusted spiritual leaders if something feels off.
”Just This Once” Friends: We all have friends who might pressure us to compromise our values or beliefs. True friends will respect your boundaries and encourage you to grow in your faith (Proverbs 27:17).
Be aware that false teachings can go beyond these specific examples. Remain cautious of any message that contradicts core Christian beliefs, such as salvation by grace through faith alone, the deity of Christ, or the authority of Scripture.
So, how do we cultivate that discernment muscle?
Be a Berean Buddy (Acts 17:11): The Bereans were commended for examining the teachings of Paul and Silas against Scripture. Just like them, double-check everything against the Bible, our ultimate guide.
Find Your Spiritual GPS: Seek guidance from trusted mentors or pastors who can offer support, advice, and help you navigate complex theological issues.
The Holy Spirit’s Helpline: Pray for discernment, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any hidden deception (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit is our constant companion and guide, and He longs to empower us to discern truth from falsehood.
Become a Bible Buff: Regularly studying Scripture equips you with a solid foundation in truth. The more familiar you are with the Bible, the easier it is to identify teachings that contradict it.
Squad Up with Fellow Believers: Surround yourself with people who share your values and can offer encouragement and support (Hebrews 10:25). A strong Christian community can be a valuable resource when navigating spiritual challenges.
Discernment and Humility: Remember, true discernment comes from a place of humility and a willingness to learn (Proverbs 18:15). Approach new teachings with an open mind but also a critical eye, grounded in Scripture.
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for the warnings in Your Word. Help me stay alert and discerning, so I won’t be misled. Deepen my understanding of Your Word and guide me with Your Holy Spirit. May I be transformed into the image of Christ, the Truth and may my life reflect Your glory, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
By being aware of potential pitfalls and actively seeking truth, we can navigate the end times with confidence. Remember, God has equipped us with the tools we need to discern truth from error, the Bible, the Holy Spirit and a supportive Christian community.