Recently, my wife and I have noticed our children saying things we never explicitly taught them. We often sit them down to ensure they’re learning from reliable sources and people. Even though what they say is mostly accurate and positive, we want to know who’s influencing them. This is a relevant concern for all of us today.
Friend, you need to discern the Spirit of truth. In the kingdom, we don’t just follow the truth. We follow the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). Any truth that does not proceed from the Holy Spirit is no truth. It’s not just about what is correct. It is about what is commanded. The source is more important than the substance of the information (1 John 4:1-3).
The first question that God asked Adam during the fall was, “Who told you” (Genesis 3:11). God wants to be the supplier and interpreter of your information. He may speak through people and situations, but you need to verify and vet what’s said if your life would not be wrongly influenced (Isaiah 8:20).
We must filter what we hear, not just to clarify if it is true, but to clarify who says it (Luke 8:18). Satan does not speak to help you. He speaks to hurt you. Wise Christians have learnt to shut their ears against satanic communications even if it comes through the voices they recognise or respect (Isaiah 54:17).
The devil loves to mimic familiar voices just as God often speaks through familiar voices (Isaiah 8:19). Therefore, your discernment must be razor-sharp. It was the same Peter who declared Jesus as the son of God that later spoke against the purpose of God for Jesus (Matthew 16:16-23).
Immerse yourself in scriptures. The Holy Spirit often sounds from scriptures (Colossians 3:16). If you are not a diligent student of the Bible, you are already in error. Make your prayer more of fellowship than just asking. Fellowship sharpens discernment. Stop relating with those under the influence of wrong spirits (1 Corinthians 15:33). Lies and lairs will corrupt your spirit.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria