Groomed and Manipulated

Optimism without discernment will become a deception. Discernment will look through the veneer of what has been prepared for us to see to reveal God’s perspective.

We live in a world constantly trying to lead us away from the truth to embrace illusions proclaiming them as the truth. Without discernment, we become tools in the hands of people who do not have our best interests in mind.

At the end of this process of deception, when the truth is finally made known, we will realize we have been manipulated and used. This is where some believers become so disillusioned they walk away from their faith.

Our minds must be protected like someone guarding their home from an invader. It is a spiritual life and death defense against deceptive spirits that want to occupy our thoughts and take the lead over our will. Only by anchoring our minds in God’s word can we endure these assaults and come out on the other side spiritually alive and well.

This understanding is more important than ever at certain times in history, like the time in which we are currently living. How we endure the assault will determine the content of our faith and how we will live in an unredeemed world as messengers of God’s hope.

“More than anything you guard, protect your mind, for life flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23).

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This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Garris Elkins

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About the Author

Garris Elkins is a Kingdom Winds Contributor. He and his wife, Jan, serve the global Church through writing, speaking, and mentoring. They live in southern Oregon, tucked away in the foothills of the Rogue Valley. Their shared desire is to have each person learn how to hear the heart of God and become a transforming voice in their culture.

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