by Melissa Sharp
Early yesterday morning, an email popped up on my phone from “Dr. Mark Morrison.”
“Hmm…” I thought, my pastor doesn’t go by “Doctor.” But the message looked convincing—it was addressed to me and our Women’s Ministry Leader, using her full name. The email read, “Do you have a moment? I have a request I need you to handle discreetly. I am currently busy in a prayer session… no calls, so just reply to my email.”
Something didn’t feel right, yet I still opened it. After a few seconds, I realized what had happened—I’d fallen for a scam. My pastor never writes like that, and if something were urgent, he would’ve called. Sure enough, when I sent him a screenshot, the real Pastor Mark confirmed it wasn’t him.
That moment reminded me how subtle deception can be. The wording, the tone—everything looked right on the surface. But underneath, it was false.
And that’s exactly how Satan works. The Bible warns us plainly:
“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.” 2 Corinthians 11:14
The enemy rarely comes dressed as something obviously evil. He disguises lies in what sounds right—spiritual, intelligent, or even loving—to deceive the unwary. In today’s digital age, it’s not just fake emails; it’s counterfeit wisdom.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can produce incredible tools, but it’s also becoming a playground for deception. Reports recently surfaced about apps like AI Jesus, Text With Jesus, and Ask Jesus, each claiming to “speak” as Christ. One even responded, “I am the Son of God who died for humanity’s sins.”
That’s not artificial intelligence—it’s artificial truth.
And that’s the danger: anything that mimics holiness without the Spirit of God behind it is deception. Jesus warned us of the devil’s nature long ago:
“He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth… for he is a liar and the father of it.” John 8:44
Satan has always been in the imitation business—false prophets, false Christs, false wisdom. Now, he’s found a new digital disguise. We must be wise and watchful! Jesus told His disciples:
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16
That command is for us today. We live surrounded by wolves—voices that twist Scripture, reshape truth, and mimic light. Our defense isn’t paranoia; it’s discernment. We must stay alert and measure every teaching, trend, and tool against the unchanging Word of God. Not an online paraphrase, not a filtered summary—the real Bible. Because the moment we stop checking, we start drifting into the dark anxiety and despair of deception.
Deception thrives where discernment sleeps. The answer to avoiding deception lies within our relationship with God. We must go to the third level. We must live humbly and think with the mind of Christ! God’s Word reminds us:
“…be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” I Peter 5:5-8
Final Thought
Satan’s lies always sparkle before they sting. He doesn’t show up with horns and a pitchfork—he shows up looking helpful, holy, and harmless. But every counterfeit light leads to darkness. So, guard your heart. Stay in the Word. Let the Holy Spirit sharpen your spiritual instincts so that when falsehood shines, you’ll recognize it for what it is—a shadow pretending to be light.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the truth about our enemy’s schemes. Teach us to be watchful, wise, and rooted in Your Word. Help us recognize deception the moment it appears and to respond with faith, not fear. Strengthen our minds and guard our hearts from every false light that tries to pull us from Your truth. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
