Cults, abusive religious leaders, and false teachers want people to stop thinking, so that they can take advantage of them. When I was in a cult, I had to suppress my doubts and suspicions many times in order to stay in the group. Whenever I saw or heard something that didn’t seem right, I thought that the problem must be with me. Eventually, I realized that I should have paid close attention to the teachings and behaviors that concerned me.
God and his followers want people to keep their brains fully engaged at all times. However, the enemy of our souls wants us to suppress our thoughts, works to prevent the development of our minds, and desires to lead us into a state of passively following religious leaders and their programs. I will resist the enemy and I will follow God. Never again will I suppress my thoughts. I will listen and observe thoughtfully. If I see or hear something that’s unbiblical, I will not ignore it. I will call it what it is. I will share my concerns with others. I will challenge false teachers and abusive religious leaders. Never again will I shut my eyes.
