Le Milly J

Many cults do not have a sign up stating that “This is a Cult-Join Me or Else,” they are not that obvious. Many cults are very subtle and sometimes it takes years to uncover the truth about them. When most people think about cults, they think of a religious entity, however, your workplace, certain organizations you join, groups you take a part of can be a cult. Many have been lead astray by others using the name of “God.” There are some infamous cults that lead others straight to their death.  

How does one get involved in a cult in the first place? Well, it is easy. There are people longing for love, attention and they want a sense of belonging, they want to be a part of “something” and many cult leaders know this and they use that to manipulate the gullible and vulnerable into their web of deception. Religious cult leaders know that once they throw the name of God in everything they will get followers. Many people believe and I often hear people tell me this, “that is doesn’t matter what church you go to” well that is not true. It matters. Your spiritual life is not something you want to play with. You don’t want to be following the wrong path, the wrong people, because it’s just going to draw you further from God and right into Satan’s hands. As believers, we need to be more mindful. Sometimes following the crowd is not the best option, learn to think for yourself to not be lead astray, even if you have to stand-alone.  

Another reason some fall prey to religious cults and their leaders is because they want a reward from God. Many people want God to look at them and see that they are doing the right things and doing things for him. The problem with that way of thinking is that God doesn’t operate on a reward system. There’s no point system in Heaven. You could think you are doing the right things and in God eye, it’s all wrong. God looks into the heart of humankind, not just their behaviors. If you read in Genesis chapter 4, the story of Cain and Abel, they both brought an offering to God, but God only accepted Abel’s offering. Cain got upset when God did not accept his offering, because he “thought” he was doing something “right” for God but God saw otherwise.  

Cults often attract followers that have similar beliefs, or similar taste in music, similar lifestyles, desires, etc. Once they pull you in, the excluding begins. 

What are some characteristics of a cult? (My top three) 

Number One: They are extremely charming. Ironically charming is also a character of a con artist! They can persuade people to believe in anything, to do anything they ask them to do. It’s as if they hold a spiritual power of charm over their followers. People are moved by how they talk, act, look and they love the attention they get from their followers because its fuels their power over them. 

Number Two: They are manipulative. Many people don’t realize manipulation is witchcraft. Only one-person benefit from manipulation and nothing good comes from it, it’s the work of the devil. Manipulators always turn the tables on you. They will make you feel bad for not doing what they want you to do. They will say you’re the bad one; you’re the problem, it’s always “you” and never them. Manipulators prey on the vulnerable, those looking to be wanted, loved, and seeking attention from others. They already know who their targets are.  

Number Three: They love separation. They always want you to separate from your love ones and be with them. They can’t control you if you are surrounded by people, especially those who see right through them. They will purposely create a wedge or arguments between you and your family members and friends. They always want you to think that “you all” are the only ones that understand and it’s them against the world. There is a place and time for separation, but when separation draws you away from everyone and everything, you have to raise your eyebrows. 

How to Avoid Cults & Their leaders 

Be mindful of what and who you are following, do not be so quick to jump into the bandwagon. Think before you leap (look before you leap). Stop trying to be a “part” of everything. Examine what you are really getting into. What is the real reason you want to be a member of that church, group, or organization? What is really drawing you in? Look into your heart and do your research. 

Stop broadcasting everything in your life to the public. I know this world is caught up with the social media life, but your personal life don’t belong online. It might feel good to post about something bad happening to you and you get everyone to sympathize with your situation, but that can also draw in all the wrong people who want to prey on your situation, during your weak moment. I’m sure you heard of stories of people who been financially robbed, duped, emotionally drain, murdered from people they met online.  

Listen to your intuition, your family members, and friends. Your intuition does not lie, if something doesn’t seem right -it probably is not right. If you’re still not sure, rather than jumping in, wait to see what happens. Many times your family member and friends on the outside see what you are getting involve in is wrong, they are only trying to help you not get hurt. Take a moment and hear them out! One of the infamous cult leaders convince his followers leave the country and commit suicide! That’s not from God. These people left the country to follow this man only to be lead to their death. They distance themselves from family and friends warning them. If you find yourself pushing your family, spouse, children, and friends to be a part of something, take a step back and examine if you’re not in a cult.  

Just because someone says, “God” doesn’t mean they are talking about the God you are thinking of. Most cult leaders make themselves a God and they want you to follow them not God. They thrive on the attention and the power. That is why it’s important to spiritually grow so you can discern the wolves among the sheep’s. Satan has deceived many, and he uses those who know and speak the word of God. Pay attention! Some cults are subtle and you are free to go, and not trap somewhere but that doesn’t take away from them being a cult that is manipulating you and leading you away from God and to your demise. Be mindful, be careful be discerning, keep your eyes and ears open. 

Scripture Meditation 

 ^“But you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me ~John 10:26-17 

“There is a way which seem right unto a man, but its end is the way of death,” ~Proverbs 14:12 

 “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Savior, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” ~ Romans 16:17-18 

 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way, which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits,”~ Matthew 7:13-16 

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world,” ~1 John 4:1 

I posted a video regarding this topic as well, be sure to check it out.

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