In the last blog, I discussed how our enemies use the Bible to manipulate. One of the ways to recognize the manipulators is to look at their life. Do they speak the Word of Truth but live a lie? Are their words supposedly life affirming, but their habits are destructive causing death of hope, joy and peace? Do they claim to speak for God, but live like the devil? If you answer yes to these questions, they are a spiritual abuser and should not be trusted.
What if the reverse is true? What if we take God’s Word out of context for our benefit? It is possible for each one of us to become the spiritual manipulator. It is so easy to take the Word of God out of context and use it for our ends and purposes. It is essential that we follow the instructions that Paul gave to Timothy. “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV).
The sad reality is if we manipulate the truth for our purposes we are siding with the devil himself. We are using the tactics of the enemy of our soul when we wrongly handle the word of truth. When we do this, we choose to allow pride and selfishness to rule rather than the Spirit. This opens the doorway for sin to rule in our lives.
We must respect the Word of God. Are we truly saying what God would have said in that particular situation, time and place? This is not a light matter. When we use Biblical truth to speak to others, we are speaking as an ambassador of Christ. Are we representing him accurately and honorably, or are we sinfully misrepresenting the Almighty?
Many times Christians speak Biblical Truth, but not at appropriate times. This is a form of manipulation. “It is better to give than to receive” can be used to guilt people into donating into someone’s pet projects. “Do not forsake assembling together”, can coerce others into coming to church activities. “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit” can manipulate people into buying health products from “well meaning” friends.
It is vital that we know what the Bible truly teaches so we can stand opposed to manipulators. It is crucial to know the Word, so we don’t give a false representation of our God. Even Jesus was careful to say only what the Father wanted him to say. “And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I speak, therefore, I speak just as the Father has told me” (John 12:50, NRSV).
Let us handle God’s Word carefully and accurately. Let us study, so we know the truth and will not be easily confused. Let us carefully weigh our words and speak just what the Father tells us to speak. Let us be like Jesus.