Table Talkනියැදිය

Discerning the Source

Not everything that looks spiritual is from God. Some things can feel powerful, even comforting, but not all power comes from the Holy Spirit.

From the earliest pages of Scripture, God’s people have faced the temptation to turn to alternative spiritual practices. In Egypt, the magicians could imitate some of Moses’ miracles, but their power was limited and their source was not from God (Exodus 7:11–12, NIV). The same is true today. Practices like crystals, psychic readings, or manifestation techniques may produce some effects, but the question we must ask is: what is the source?

Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. This means that not everything that looks good, feels enlightening, or seems harmless is from God. That is why discernment is vital. The Spirit of God never points us to self-reliance or to impersonal forces; he always points us to Jesus.

Isaiah 8:19–20 challenges us with a simple test. When people suggest consulting mediums or searching for hidden knowledge, God’s people are reminded to inquire of him instead (NIV). God’s Word is the standard. If a practice pulls us away from depending on Christ, it cannot lead us into life.

Real spirituality is not about manipulating energy or manifesting outcomes; it is about knowing God and being known by him. True freedom comes when we let the Holy Spirit shape us, not when we try to control spiritual forces for ourselves. Jesus promised in John 16:13 that the Spirit would guide us into all truth. He is the voice we can trust.

Our culture is full of people searching. They are not wrong to want peace, healing, or clarity. The problem is not the hunger—it is the substitutes. Our role is not to condemn but to lovingly point to the true source of life. In John 14:6, Jesus declares that he is the way, the truth, and the life.

Prayer: Father, give me discernment to recognise what is from you and what is not. Help me live by your Spirit and guide others toward your truth.

If you find yourself curious or drawn toward alternative practices, take time today to compare them with Scripture. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal whether they point you closer to Christ or further away.