A religious spirit is a false guide that seeks to substitute and replace the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and also to deceive you into believing you are actually following the Holy Spirit by following it’s leadership. Once a religious spirit gets a stronghold in the heart, it is very difficult to displace, because the host defends it as if it were the Spirit of the Lord. However, with God, all things are possible, even deliverance from a religious spirit. Continue reading “Religious Spirit”
Discernment
How do we discern if / when something is a normal expression of faith in life versus being motivated by an underlying religious spirit? This may or may not be something you have thought of before, but it is worthy of consideration. In my experience, I don't think I've heard people saying aloud that they are under the control of religious influences that are from the netherworld. It's not likely that people want to consider themselves in this way, at length, at the risk of unexpected and unpleasant surprise.
Be Liked and Appear Significant
Wanting to be liked and wanting to appear significant are really big motivators, springing often from insecurities present in our hearts, all the while actually leading us astray from true friendship and true significance. We can easily fall into the trap of thinking that appearing significant will win us friends, but this sets up a scenario of abuse. For people to come to us on the basis of what they have to gain from being close to us is another motivation that is destructive, both to the superstar and to his or her worshippers. Unfortunately, this is everywhere you look in Christianity and church circles today, as I am sure it ever has been, as well as being very common in the world around us.
We need to realize that wanting to be liked has unique capacity to damage real significance, as it tends to keep us from exposing ourselves and our reputations to risk. Significance and risk often have a relationship, which sets up a tension between real significance and pursuit of popularity. We need to be free from the control of these motivators if we are to live the life we are called to live!
Bear in mind, I am not trying to provide excuse for being unlikable or unkind as a reaction to perceived rejection or the risk of being disliked. Reaction can plunge us just as deeply into bondage as cooperation with temptation. The life of Jesus abides as our persistent example in human interaction. To live as He lived and follow His lead is our calling, and one that His grace makes doable. Letting love be our highest goal will establish us in a solid way, and let's let the Lord join us up with those that seem fitting to Him.
No Man Will Be Led Farther Than He Can See
“No Man Will Be Led Farther Than He Can See.” – Thomas a Kempis
This quote from Thomas a Kempis, is specifically from the work The Imitation of Christ, which stands as one of the most influential books in Christian history. The entire text of the book is available online here – Imitation of Christ – Book – and can be found as an audiobook here – Imitation of Christ – Audio. I recommend this book very highly.
What if The Lord has something special and unique He wants to do with your life? If so, you will have to be careful not to go with the flow of things, because they have a will of their own. Continue reading “No Man Will Be Led Farther Than He Can See”