In today's blog, we will explore an important spiritual topic that affects every believer's life: the discernment of gifts sent by the devil. It is crucial to understand that not every gift we receive is from God or carries good intentions. As Proverbs 23:6-7 warns us, we should be cautious about accepting gifts from people whose hearts are not aligned with us, even if they appear friendly or generous. The Bible reminds us that as someone thinks in their heart, so are they. Someone may offer food and drink with kind words, but their true intentions may be far from pure.

The Nature of Gifts and Intentions

It may be disheartening to realize that not everyone in our lives means well or is sent by God. Just as God sends people to bless us, the devil also sends individuals with the sole purpose of causing harm. The difference lies in their intentions and actions. Those sent by God commit themselves to uplift and support us, while those sent by the devil seek to bring us down.

The Power of Discernment

As children of God, we are called to be on guard spiritually, without becoming suspicious of everyone around us. This is where the power of discernment comes into play. Unfortunately, many Christians are unaware of what discernment is and how it operates in their lives. Discernment is the ability, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to distinguish between spirits and recognize the motives behind people's actions.

Different Categories of People We Encounter

Every day, we encounter different types of individuals in various settings, such as our workplace, neighborhood, church, school, and other places where we conduct our business. Some encounters may occur by chance, while others are direct contacts. However, we must realize that there is a supernatural activity behind each encounter. No one comes into our lives by mistake; either God brings them or the enemy does. Through discernment, the Holy Spirit helps us connect with those who have the right motives concerning us and alerts us to be cautious with those whose intentions are impure.

The Need for Discernment

Developing the power of discernment is crucial for every child of God. The Bible instructs us to test all spirits without exception (1 John 4:1). The books of John were built around the theme of love, reflecting Christ's affection for those around us. However, it is essential to take a moment and assess situations and people. A smile or kind gestures from someone does not necessarily indicate that their motives are right. We should not easily assume that everyone is nice because they are friendly or offer us gifts.

The Deceitful Heart of Man

The heart of man is deceitful and wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). God, in His wisdom, warned us about the nature of the human heart. Understanding this truth is crucial to safeguard ourselves from potential harm. For example, when God blesses us with success in our workplace, there may be colleagues who envy our progress or believe they deserved the promotion more than us. They might put on a friendly façade, sharing meals and favors, but their true intentions could be to undermine or harm us. In such situations, it is imperative to trust God and rely on His discernment to protect us from any evil schemes devised against us.

The Example of Judas Iscariot

The story of Judas Iscariot serves as a perfect example of someone who opened their heart to the devil's influence, leading them to commit unthinkable acts. After betraying Jesus, Judas regretted his actions and attempted to return the money he received. However, the Pharisees refused to accept it. Judas, overwhelmed with remorse, threw the money and ultimately took his own life. While it was necessary for someone to betray Jesus to fulfill the prophecy, it could have been anyone. Judas made himself a suitable candidate by opening his heart to the devil. Luke 22:2-6 reveals how Satan entered Judas and conspired with the chief priests and temple officers to betray Jesus.

The Danger of Gifts as Tools of the Devil

One of the ways Satan can inflict damage upon our lives is through deceptive gifts. Many innocent people have become unwitting accomplices to crimes or subjected themselves to abusive relationships simply because they accepted gifts from individuals they shouldn't have. The devil often uses gifts as bait to trap and lure us into his schemes. It is essential to be vigilant and discerning, realizing that not every gift is as innocent as it appears.

How to Identify and Guard Against Devil's Gifts

To protect ourselves from gifts sent by the devil, we must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Walk in Love: While being cautious, we should continue to walk in love and show kindness to others. Walking in love keeps our conscience clear and allows God to fight on our behalf.
2. Pray Consistently: Prayer is our source of strength and guidance. A prayerful life enhances our spiritual sensitivity and helps us discern the dangers around us. By seeking God's presence and submitting our lives to Him, we invite His protection and wisdom.
3. Develop Self-Control: Learning when and how to say no is crucial. We must resist the temptation to accept every gift that comes our way. Developing self-control prevents us from falling prey to greed and materialistic desires.

The Story of Gideon

The story of Gideon provides a biblical example of how God removes certain people from our lives to lead us to the next level. Gideon was initially considered a nobody, but God chose him as a deliverer for His people. Through a series of tests, God whittled down Gideon's army from 32,000 to 300 soldiers. Some individuals were fearful and complacent, while others lacked the necessary focus. God removed them to ensure victory.

Separating from Negative Influences

Just as God removed people from Gideon's life, He may need to remove individuals from our lives who hinder our progress and keep us from experiencing His best for us. These people may not necessarily be malicious, but they are complacent and fearful. They may discourage us from pursuing God's plans, settling for mediocrity instead. It is essential to recognize such influences and, when necessary, separate ourselves from them in order to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.

Trusting God and Moving Forward

Trusting God during times of separation can be challenging, but we must remember that He has our best interests at heart. We may not always understand why certain people need to be removed, but we can trust in God's wisdom and guidance. By aligning ourselves with His will, we open ourselves to His divine protection and blessings.

Facing the Challenges of the End Times

As we navigate the complexities of the end times, it is crucial to remain strong in our faith. Jesus warned us of the challenges and trials that would arise, both in the world and within the church. However, we can find solace in knowing that our God is sovereign and in control. By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, living lives that honor Him, and supporting one another as a community of believers, we can overcome any adversity we face.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as children of God, we must be discerning and cautious regarding the gifts we receive. Not every gift is sent from God or carries good intentions. Through the power of discernment, prayer, and self-control, we can identify and guard against gifts sent by the devil. We can trust God to guide us, remove negative influences from our lives, and lead us into His perfect plans. In these challenging times, let us stay rooted in our faith, relying on God's wisdom and protection, and supporting one another as we journey through the end times.