If you are anything like me, it can be easy to skim over Scriptural warnings against deception as if they are meant for someone else. But Jesus warned his disciples that even Christians could be deceived. That should cause us to pay attention.
We like to think that we know good from evil, but if good was so obvious, Scripture would not teach us that we need discernment to recognize it:
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:12 ESV
Now, deception can come in any area of life which is why the above verse tells us to constantly practice discernment. But those with the hand of God on their lives are often deceived in one specific area—relationships. I don’t say this lightly: God will use relationships to propel you; the enemy will use them to repel you.
If Satan can use a good person to drive you away from what is actually of God, you better believe he will. Whether it’s a friendship or a romantic interest, practice discernment before jumping into relationships. If there’s a check in your spirit when someone asks to spend time with you, do not second guess it or cover it up with excuses. Always follow peace.
The good news is that God is not trying to hide His best from us. When we steer clear of good relationships and invest our time in God relationships, the Lord will bless us. He promises that those who seek will find. If we commit to the journey of seeking truth, we will not be duped by its counterfeit.
I encourage you to not only exercise discernment in your relationships, but in every area of your life. Watch as God begins to orchestrate divine appointments to propel you into a harvest. The ability to discern between what is heaven breathed and world bound makes all the difference in your harvest of relationships—whether it’s meeting the right person for that job connection or being introduced to someone who brings much joy and wisdom into your life.
When we are mature in discernment, we will overcome deception—the enemy’s biggest weapon.
