Truth vs Lie

As I continue to process how God is continuing to walk me through my journey of healing from rejection, I’m realizing how I can tend to avoid speaking up in somewhat controversial conversations because I don’t want to be rejected.

One of the topics I struggle with is the truth that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but with the principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness in high places. Because of my past in the New Age and other movements rooted in the occult, I tend to see the activity of the unholy realm easier than most, but then sometimes, I get triggered and overreact. I don’t want to be one who goes from one extreme to the other, either thinking there’s a demon behind every door or going to the other extreme of discounting the reality of his influence in our lives.

In a somewhat heated conversation on Facebook, a woman I know from our downtown community made the comment that we should just bless all believers and not judge. It took me a few days to get the courage to respond with something that would paint an accurate picture of how easy it is to be misled by the unholy realm through New Age practices. Here’s what I said:

“I hear you, friend, and your suggestion of not judging others does sound like the “loving” thing to do. But here’s the challenge. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6) So that declaration by the Son of God may sound judgey and exclusive and narrow, but if it’s The Truth, then it’s the most loving thing that can be declared.

There was a time for me, about 40 years ago, when I came out of Scientology and went full on into the New Age, meditation, following teachers who were channeling spirits and communing with the dead through seances, and praying to my assigned “Ascended Master.”

There were 12 ascended masters to choose from: St. Germain, Confucius, Gautama Buddha, Mary (mother of Jesus), Paul of Tarsus (AKA Hilarion), Ashtar Shernan, Melchizedek, Archangel Michael, Metatron, Kwan Yin, Kuthumi and, wait for it … JESUS.

The spirit behind the New Age is not the Holy Spirit, but a false Jesus, a demon named Jesus and I’m afraid far too many are praying to that demon rather than the Christ of the Bible. Dare I say many are praying to a demon named Mary, the mother of Jesus! And let’s not forget those who put their trust in the Mormon Jesus where a burning in the bosom manifestation is confirmation of your salvation. This is another example of demonic manifestations being declared as “from God.” In fact, there are some movements within some Charismatic denominations where losing control, uncontrollable shaking, falling down and writhing on the floor and more is all called “from God.”

The Bible says Satan comes as an angel of light. He comes to deceive, to make us believe we are following the truth, when we are following a lie. I’ve had to face that fact in my life, more than once, and while it was painful and humiliating, coming to know and surrender to the Jesus of the Bible and recognizing I’d been leading others astray was an opportunity for me to humble myself and repent, and fully surrender my life to the King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ.

My biggest concern in much of today’s “Christianity” is seeing so many false teachings and New Age influence seeping into the church in America, leading many astray and away from Biblical Christianity. My raising a red flag for us to be aware of is done in love. We are called to test the spirit and not just believe anything preached or prophesied to us … “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test them all, hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.” 1 Thess. 5:19-22

I still wrestle with my fear of rejection when it comes to the response I will receive as I expose the truth of New Age Influences in the church. Communicating what I know and have experienced may appear harsh, but not saying something would be more so. Those who are found under this deception often do not even realize something is wrong because it doesn’t look wrong. Often times, it doesn’t even “feel” wrong. Sometimes it even mimics Scripture and "seems like" answered prayer. The only way to know truth is to align your beliefs (not your feelings) to the Word of God in context! It is better to be rejected here on earth than before the Judgment Seat of Christ for not taking a stand for truth.??

Do you ever struggle with speaking up about something that seems off for fear of rejection? How can you find the strength to share truth?

May I encourage you: to share the truth, you must know the truth. Be in the Word, be in community with those who follow truth, and ask God to give you discernment when you encounter things that seem off. One very simple place to begin is gotquestions.org. This website will guide you to beware of beliefs that are not in accordance to God’s Word.