Spiritual Deception: A Warning From Jeremiah for Today’s World

 “From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests alike, all practice deceit. They dress the wound of my people as though it were not serious. ‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.”

Jeremiah 6:13-14

Dear Family & Friends,

Spiritual deception is a reality in today’s world and we must stay alert and heed all warnings. That is why it is so important to rely on people and things that are fully trustworthy. When we fail to, we run the risk of a great disaster. This is never truer when it comes to spiritual matters. Words of peace and safety may feel incredibly comforting, but disaster awaits if they are not true. 

A False Sense of Safety

Recently, I purchased a new crossbody purse. It has a long strap that you can slip over your head and shoulder, allowing the bag to lie securely on your chest. This keeps important contents close at hand, without fear of losing anything, and offers a hands-free environment to carry out other tasks. It’s really great! But there’s one problem.

Whenever I get into my van and start driving, the warning bell rings halfway down the road, alerting me that I don’t have my seatbelt on. This confused me at first, as I’m usually very vigilant about seatbelt safety.

Then it struck me: I’d forgotten to put the seatbelt on because I thought I already had it on. The straps of the crossbody bag felt secure against my chest, creating the illusion that I was already fastened into the vehicle. I drove off thinking I was safe, but in reality, it was an illusion.

If I had been in a serious car crash, my body would have been thrown from my seat and through the windshield, resulting in severe injury or certain death. No amount of secure feelings from the pressure of the handbag straps on my chest would keep me safe. I must have the seatbelt, created for that purpose, across my body and securely snapped into place if I want to be protected in case of an accident.

Jeremiah Warns Against Spiritual Deception

Jeremiah continually warned God’s people of impending doom due to their disregard for Him and His laws. Time and again this faithful prophet begged the people to repent and turn back to the Lord. “Take warning, Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you and make your land desolate so no one can live in it,” God declared through His prophet. “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” But the people would not listen. 

Instead, the rebels listened to the voices they liked, the ones that told them what they wanted to hear. Greedy and deceitful prophets and priests delivered a different message—one that was kind and comforting. These supposedly religious men, in ignoring the people’s sin, dress[ed] the wound of my people as if it were not serious.

Instead of warning against God’s wrath and the impending punishment, these liars contradicted Jeremiah’s message and falsely reassured the sinners of peace and safety. Imagine the people’s surprise and terror when their false safety shattered, and God’s word of punishment prevailed! Spiritual deception was their downfall.

A Warning For Today’s World

Before we think this warning was for a different time, we must remember that God’s word still speaks today. Many false teachers gush words of comfort and peace, falsely assuring the world that God doesn’t exist or care what we do or say. They say, Be who you want to be. Truth is relative so decide what you think is right and go for it! There’s no harm done. God wants you to be happy, so do what makes you feel good! 

Oh, that we would be aware of the dangers of spiritual deception, and think carefully about what and who we believe! Like relying on a handbag strap to keep us safe from the danger of a serious car crash, so listening to the wrong people about our future destiny can bring us excruciating pain and certain doom. Just ask the foolish people of Israel who chose to trust the wrong prophet!

So, learn a lesson from the crossbody bag: False safety is no safety at all! That’s why it is crucial to listen to the right voices. Search the Scriptures, heed the warnings, and follow God’s ways. This is how to avert disaster and find peace and safety in the days ahead!

Love,

Mama