The hidden dangers of spiritual manipulation

by Ivan Ho 24 May 2022

 

Spiritual deception and manipulation comes from lack of discernment of the body.

When a person fails to follow and obey the Spirit of God, he or she is open to follow other spirits. When the person is not connected with God the Father through Jesus Christ, he looks for a father figure from spiritual authorities as substitutes. That’s why Jesus says: “Do not call anyone on earth father (or mother)… there is only one Father who is in heaven”, meaning that we should not look for a spiritual guru as substitute for the Father in heaven. Not that God is doing away with spiritual fathers but He is aware of people becoming emotionally and spiritually dependent on “spiritual” figures instead of God Himself. Many people who become dependent on people in positions of authority are easily manipulated by them to do their will instead of the Father’s will. That kind of spiritual manipulation is demonic in nature.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1 John 4:1 KJV

 

It is extremely dangerous when a person has lost his or her own identity in Christ and becomes soulishly and spiritually intertwined with another person he is connected with in such a way that the “father figure” now replaces the position and authority of Christ over his life. The victim who is under spiritual manipulation is no longer free to choose and walk in God’s will, but instead allows the spiritual manipulator to make major decisions on his behalf. The worst thing of it all is the deception to believe that he is following God when he is actually being led by demonic spirits. 

The deception works both ways, the person who is being manipulated and the person who is the manipulator thinking God has called him or her to be the personal spiritual advisor, daddy or mommy to the one under his care or “jurisdiction”.

For one to be deceived, there has to be a deceiver, for it takes two to tango. Usually the “spiritual overseer” is a super spiritual and zealous person who sees those who he connects with or are under his religious hierchy as his spiritual children.

 

Listen to what Jesus says.

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Matthew 23:8‭-‬10 KJV

 

 

to be continued..