Becoming the Right Person for and in MarriageSample

GUARDING AGAINST DECEPTION

One of the strongest weapons of the devil is deception. Jesus warned, “Take heed that no man deceive you” (Matthew 24:4 KJV). Deception is dangerous because it does not look like deception. It comes dressed in charm, charisma, and sometimes spirituality. The Bible says, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14 KJV). If Satan can disguise as light, then men and women he uses will not show up with horns—they will appear as perfect matches, quoting Scriptures, even praying in tongues. But remember: not every tongue is Holy Ghost fire; some are rehearsed performances. This is why discernment is more important than attraction. The devil knows he cannot stop your calling, so he packages a counterfeit spouse to dilute your destiny.

I have seen sisters deceived by brothers who carried big Bibles but empty character. I have seen brothers fall for sisters who spoke ‘’Christianese” (in a Christian manner) but carried Jezebel’s spirit. Deception thrives when emotions blind discernment. This is why you must never judge by appearance or excitement alone. Destiny is deeper than smiles and Instagram pictures. When Samuel saw Eliab, he concluded, “Surely the LORD’s anointed is before him.” But God replied, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature… for the LORD seeth not as man seeth” (1 Samuel 16:6–7 KJV). If Samuel, a prophet, could almost miss it, how much more you without discernment? Satan’s strategy is consistent: if he cannot stop you, he will deceive you. If he cannot block your journey, he will send a counterfeit to travel with you.

Application: (1) Test every spirit. If a person hates correction or accountability, deception is nearby. (2) Don’t rush. Time exposes what excitement conceals. (3) Watch fruit, not performance. Consistency in godliness is the true test of character. (4) Submit your conviction to trusted spiritual authority—when you hide your choice, you empower deception. (5) Pray in the Spirit often; deception cannot survive the fire of continual communion. (6) Finally, let peace rule your heart. The Spirit of God is not confused; where He leads, there will be clarity. My decree over you: your eyes are open, your spirit is alert, and no deception of hell will hijack your destiny. You will discern truth, embrace God’s will, and escape every trap of Satan.

THOUGHT TO PONDER
Am I relying on emotions and appearances, or am I cultivating discernment through the Spirit? Have I exposed my choices to godly authority that can help me detect deception?

PRAYER
Lord, sharpen my discernment and keep me from every counterfeit packaged to derail my destiny in marriage and life.