There is a quiet movement to convolute truth in an effort to actively muddy the waters, minds, and hearts of God’s children.
“Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone” is an old saying attributed to Alan Watts that speaks to not forcing clarity in a confused or turbulent state.
Instead, we are encouraged to recognize that sometimes the best action is to allow things to settle on their own; to intentionally step back and wait for situations to reveal themselves or resolve.
Scripture also speaks of the importance of clarity and stillness, stating in Psalm 46:10, “‘Be still, and know that I am God….’”
We are to stop thrashing against circumstances, others, and ourselves, and instead release and rest in the fullness of God’s sovereignty.
Yet we are often tempted by confusion and perceived enlightenment. Outcomes are often forced or manipulated to fit the narrative of those trying to win our favor or direct our path.
Satan recognizes that seekers are rising to find their calling, pursuing God and what He means to them personally.
As such, we are on Satan’s radar, and his devils are slithering; their silver tongues are being put to voice in pews, pulpits, classrooms, and governments across the nation.
Many preachers, politicians, and teachers are persuasive, offering part-truths and pleasant narratives that speak into what we lack and what we desire, yet they contradict God’s Word.
This leaves many questioning their beliefs, even God Himself.
The tactic to divide and destroy is nothing new. In Genesis 3, we see this persuasive scheme in full display when Satan (the serpent) speaks to Eve, resulting in her questioning what God really said.
“Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”?’” (v. 1).
We learn from this passage that Satan will first get you to question what God said in order to plant small seeds of doubt.
Second, Satan will twist God’s words, making them sound abrasive and foolish in an effort to undermine God:
“‘You will not surely die,’ the serpent said to the woman” (v. 4).
Lastly, from this passage in Genesis, we see that Satan appeals to our pride and cynical nature, baiting us to be distrustful of God so we can become our own god:
“‘For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’” (v. 5).
Eloquent manipulators of truth are experts at inviting you into muddy waters disguised as transparency, delivering a distraction from the consequences of the beliefs they are trying to sell you.
As such, “‘if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit’” (Matthew 15:14).
I recently had a woman tell me that no one is truly lost because God already lives inside every person. She said we are not separated from God by sin, since He is already within us. Therefore, we should not worship Jesus, because He is separate from God, who is inside us. Instead, we are simply called to become one with God. According to her, to disagree with this is to doubt the power we have through God.
What she said was spoken passionately and confidently. She spun it in such a way that the tapestry she sewed sparkled with individuality and awe. I know not whom she heard this yarn from, but I have known her long enough to recognize these beliefs were new to her.
She had altered her awareness of who Jesus was by putting herself on an altar.
Albeit she spoke from a place of sincerity, she was misguided and listening to counsel that contradicted Scripture.
The Bible says we are all born spiritually separated from God because of sin. Romans 3:23 tells us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Isaiah 59:2 adds that “your iniquities have separated you from your God.” That’s why Jesus said He came to seek and to save the lost (see Luke 19:10).
If no one is truly lost, then Jesus came for no reason.
If sin doesn’t separate us, then the cross was unnecessary.
Jesus made it clear that He is not separate from God: He is God in the flesh. He said, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) and “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
The Bible calls Jesus “‘Immanuel’ — which means, God with us” (Matthew 1:23).
That’s why we worship Jesus — because He is fully God and fully man, and is the way back to the Father. Jesus said, “‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:6).
True oneness with God happens when we admit our sin, repent, and put our trust in Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and promise of return.
That’s not doubt — that’s the eternal door God Himself opened for us through His son.
The idea that “God is already inside everyone, so we don’t need Jesus” is similar to what Satan told Eve in the garden: “‘You will be like God’” (Genesis 1:5).
It sounds spiritual, but it is a lie.
Beware, waters are being deliberately stirred and muddied, while silver tongues twist truth, convincing many that what was once clear is now uncertain, and what is tainted is truth.
We must remember Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God….”
Do not rush to embrace every appealing voice that tugs at your desire to be enlightened and to enlarge your knowledge. If it contradicts Scripture, it is not of God.
When we stop thrashing in pride and truly stand still in God’s presence, the mud and muck settle, and discernment is heightened.
Stand firm, my friend, and stay rooted in Scripture, as there are many “gods” who want to kill your witness for God.
The serpent still speaks today, so make God’s voice the loudest and the only one you follow.
This column was initially published by CherryRoad Media. For more inspirational articles, follow ©Tiffany Kaye Chartier.
