Lost in the Feed: How Social Media is Distorting Spiritual Truth and Fragmenting the Church with Deceit.

Facebook and other social media platforms pose significant dangers to Christians, including idolatry and vanity. However, there's another, less discussed danger to consider.

In general, social media platforms have the potential to gradually transform into powerful idols. According to biblical definition, an idol is anything that takes precedence over God. This transformation is so subtle that its harmful effects are slow to recognize and may not be immediately apparent, despite it becoming one of the most accessible and significant dopamine rushes of our time.

Personally, I was compelled to deactivate multiple accounts after a profound spiritual awakening revealed their idolatrous grip on my own life.

 Does your phone consume more of your time and attention than your Creator? Your Spouse? Your children? If so, you may have an idol.

The seduction of social media ensnared me and most people I know. Its superficial allure, promising connection and validation, lured me and probably, you, into a relentless pursuit of capturing and sharing moments. I found myself immersed in a self-centered spiral, documenting my life through photos of family and pets, seeking external approval with each selfie.

The narcissistic displays of vanity on Facebook, even among professing Christians, are profoundly disturbing. If such behavior elicits such a disgusted reaction in me, I shudder to imagine the divine disgust it provokes in a God who vehemently condemns arrogance, pride, and vanity.

Proverbs 31:30 (NIV): "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

1 Peter 3:3-4 (NIV): "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

1 Corinthians 10:14 (NIV): "Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry."

But this article isn't about that.

So why is Facebook dangerous for Christians?

You log onto Facebook. The algorithms are designed so that as a Christian, you often see plenty of Christian-related content tailored to your interests. Whatever you search throughout your day will appear on your feed.

If you support Trump, you'll see a lot of related content. If you support Biden, you'll see a lot of that. Facebook acts as a Trojan horse where idle thoughts become more concrete and take root in your heart because you're constantly exposed to them every time you check your phone.

Throughout history, human societies have been organized into kingdoms, empires, and various forms of government, each with its own territorial boundaries and unique cultural identities. While the terminology has evolved, the concept of distinct regions ruled by specific SPIRITUAL authorities remains a constant.

Interestingly, the Bible provides insight into the spiritual dimension of these territorial divisions, showing that spiritual powers and principalities influence different regions. This article explores the biblical foundation for understanding these spiritual authorities and provides examples to illustrate how the modern world is still divided into territories but under different names.

Spiritual Principalities and Authorities

These spiritual powers are often referred to as principalities. For instance:

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV): "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Daniel 10:13 (NIV): "But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia."

Daniel 10:20-21 (NIV): "So he said, 'Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.)'"

Luke 4:5-6 (NIV): "The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, 'I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to.'"

These passages suggest that spiritual beings, referred to as princes or principalities, have authority over specific regions. For example, the "prince of Persia" and the "prince of Greece" indicate that different spiritual forces influence these territories.

Although we no longer use terms like "kingdom" or "empire" in the same way, the modern world is still divided into distinct regions with unique authorities and characteristics. Here are a few examples:

Based on biblical teachings, it is reasonable to assume that just as there were spiritual principalities over Persia and Greece, there are different principalities over modern regions like the USA, China, and Africa. Each of these regions are influenced by distinct spiritual forces that shape their cultural, political, spiritual and social dynamics.

Further breaking down these regions, we can see how spiritual principalities might differ even within a single country. For example, the USA's fifty states each have distinct identities and cultural norms that are rooted in dark spiritual forces.

This understanding encourages us to consider the spiritual dimensions of our world and the unseen influences that shape our lives and societies.

In the Bible, the story of the "Prince of Persia" is found in the book of Daniel, specifically in chapter 10. Daniel, a prophet, has a vision that troubles him, and he prays and fasts for understanding. After three weeks, an angel appears to Daniel with a message. The angel explains that he was delayed for 21 days because the "Prince of Persia," a powerful spiritual entity, opposed him. This opposition necessitated the help of Michael, one of the chief princes, to overcome the resistance and allow the angel to reach Daniel.

The angel then informs Daniel about future events and mentions that he will soon return to continue the battle against the "Prince of Persia" and later face the "Prince of Greece." This story highlights the concept of spiritual warfare and the existence of powerful spiritual beings influencing earthly kingdoms.

Understand that Daniel was in Persia at the time of this vision. After the Babylonian Empire fell to the Medo-Persian Empire, Daniel continued to serve under the new regime. In Daniel 10:1, it specifically mentions that the vision occurred in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia. This indicates that Daniel was in Persia during the events described in the vision of the "Prince of Persia."

The future events foretold to Daniel in his vision were specific to the regions and powers relevant to the time and place he was in. Since Daniel was in Persia, the initial focus was on the "Prince of Persia," indicating the spiritual conflict over that region.

The angel's message about the "Prince of Persia" dealt with the immediate spiritual battles related to Persia, where Daniel was currently residing. The subsequent mention of the "Prince of Greece" foretold future conflicts involving the Greek Empire, which would eventually rise to power after the Persian Empire. This prophecy indicated that the spiritual warfare would continue as the geopolitical landscape changed, with new spiritual entities exerting influence over the emerging powers.

It would be confusing and potentially misleading for someone from a different kingdom to apply a prophecy specific to Persia to their own region. The prophecies given to Daniel about Persia were specific to the political and spiritual context of Persia at that time.

Applying these prophecies to another kingdom without understanding the specific context and intended audience could lead to confusion and misalignment with the actual events and spiritual realities of their own region.

Each kingdom or region would have its own unique spiritual dynamics and potential conflicts. For example, if someone from Greece or Egypt heard Daniel's prophecy about Persia and mistakenly prepared for the same events to occur in their own land, they might misinterpret the signs and fail to address the unique challenges and spiritual warfare pertinent to their own context.

This misapplication could lead to unnecessary fear, misdirected efforts, and a lack of preparedness for the actual events that were relevant to their own region.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand the specific context and audience of a prophecy. The message given to Daniel about the "Prince of Persia" and the "Prince of Greece" was intended to reveal the spiritual battles and geopolitical shifts that would impact those specific regions. Each region needs to seek understanding and guidance pertinent to their own unique circumstances and spiritual landscape.

Why This Is a Problem?

In context of a prophecy in the USA versus one given in another territory, the problem arises when the American individual responds to a prophecy that doesn't align with their local environmental and social conditions, leading to inappropriate actions and resolutions.

Prophecies are often specific to a particular context and applying them universally without discernment can result in confusion and misinterpretation of divine guidance.

Imagine a prophet in Texas receiving a prophecy for the body of Christ in their region. The prophecy speaks of a coming period of spiritual drought, advising the Texan believers to engage in intensified prayer, fasting, and community outreach to prepare for this challenging time. The prophecy includes practical instructions for Texans: stocking up on supplies, organizing support networks, and staying spiritually vigilant.

Now, consider a believer in Alaska hearing about this prophecy and assuming it applies directly to their situation. They start preparing for a spiritual drought in the same way, despite living in a different context with unique spiritual and environmental conditions. Perhaps they were to experience revival instead of drought and missed the very thing God was doing because they focused on a prophecy that had nothing to do with them.

The Picnic Analogy

To illustrate why this is problematic, consider a Texas family planning a picnic in June. They would prepare for hot weather by bringing plenty of cold drinks, wearing shorts and t-shirts, and packing light, refreshing foods like salads and fruit. Their clothing would be light and breathable to stay cool, and they would have lots of cold beverages, ice, and perhaps a cooler to keep everything chilled and swimsuits for the nearby lake.

Now consider an Alaskan family planning a picnic in June. Despite it being summer, they would prepare for much cooler weather compared to Texas as Alaska in June could be down in the 50's versus Texas 90+ degree weather. The people in Alaska would likely wear jackets, long pants, and bring blankets to stay warm. Their food and drinks would include hot beverages like coffee or cocoa, hearty foods that provide warmth and energy, and insulated containers to keep food warm, gloves and scarfs.

Just as the wrong picnic gear can ruin an outdoor experience, a misapplied spiritual strategy can hinder the work of God in a particular place.

The Danger of Misapplying Prophecy in a Digital Age

In our digitally connected world, prophetic messages can spread rapidly and globally, often without context. Consider this scenario: A preacher in Montana shares a powerful message based on Exodus 14:13-14, urging followers to "stand still" and trust God. Meanwhile, a pastor in New Jersey, inspired by Matthew 18:18, calls the congregation to "fight strongly" for their beliefs.

You open Facebook and see both of these posts and many more on your feed. You read them all, but it's challenging to grasp their true context because Facebook often lacks context even on a good day. Despite this, you cherish the Word and take it to heart.

Both messages are rooted in Scripture, yet they offer contrasting strategies. While one emphasizes passive trust, the other promotes active engagement. The danger lies in believers uncritically adopting a message that resonates without considering its specific application to their unique circumstances. This can lead to confusion, division, and even harmful actions when applied inappropriately.

The Facebook - Social Media Dilemma

When you open Facebook or any social media platform, you’re exposed to a multitude of prophecies and spiritual directives from around the world. This can lead to confusion and exhaustion as believers try to apply teachings meant for other regions to their own lives.

Social media platforms are a digital marketplace of prophetic messages, where content from diverse cultures and contexts converges. This can create a spiritual "Tower of Babel," leading to confusion and misapplication.

Essentially, a one-size-fits-all approach to all the digital prophecies and "thus says the Lord....", via social media platforms, can leave believers spiritually depleted, exhausted, overloaded and confused making them ill-equipped to address their specific context.

The mass amounts of prophecies shared on social media can create a "Trojan horse of confusion," causing believers to fight spiritual battles that aren't theirs and neglect the ones that are. While there are corporate messages for the body of Christ, it's crucial to discern and apply prophecies within the appropriate context.

Corporate prophecies within the Body of Christ typically cover global issues, the Church's mission, or end-time events. They are broad, overarching, and timeless, often resonating with biblical themes and aligning with God's eternal purposes. Examples include prophecies about the Great Commission, fostering Church unity, or anticipating the return of Christ.

Local and regional prophecies are spoken to specific geographic areas, cities, regions, or denominations. They address local challenges, opportunities, and God's specific plans for those places, often concerning revival, spiritual awakening, or societal transformation. Examples include prophecies about economic revival in a city, or spiritual renewal in a region experiencing drought.

Personal prophecies are intimate messages directed towards individuals, providing specific guidance, direction, or warnings specific to their lives, callings, or circumstances. These prophecies are highly specific and can be encouraging, corrective, or prophetic words of knowledge. Examples include prophecies concerning an individual's calling, future marriage, or health.

The Holy Spirit is the ultimate source of 
all prophecy, regardless of its scope.

Social media gives too many people a platform that was meant to be given by God. Many are not called to lead others, as God refines and uses those who have been through trials. For instance, someone might wake up after a night of drunkenness feeling spiritual and claim, "The Lord showed me...," but we wouldn't know their sin from the previous night unless revealed by the Holy Spirit.

Here is a scripture that addresses false prophets speaking from their own imagination is Jeremiah 23:16 (NIV):

"This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.'"

We must discern the abundance of false prophets giving words of the Lord. In the end times, we could be deceived by miracles, signs, wonders, and false prophecies. Unfortunately, many Christians are in love with these individuals, turning them into idols and ignoring the Holy Spirit's guidance.

The rise of online platforms has given many more people the opportunity to share prophetic insights, resulting in chaos and confusion of messages that are hard to discern and apply correctly. This constant increase in the amounts of different prophecies can lead to spiritual fatigue and confusion among believers, especially when the messages are contradictory or not context-specific.

Misapplication of prophecies can cause division within the global church, as different believers follow different prophetic voices, leading to fragmentation rather than unity. Prophets have a responsibility to clarify the intended audience and context of their messages to avoid misunderstandings.

Matthew 24:24 (NIV): "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."

God has something specific for each of us today, and the leading of the Holy Spirit along with certain scriptures will guide us for ourselves and others. This unique guidance is very specific and personal for each individual. If I take my neighbor's godly scriptural guidance and apply it to my day, it may not be effective. Satan knows scripture better than we do and can twist it to misguide us. We must not underestimate his ability to use the Word against us, just as he did with Jesus:

Satan says to Jesus:

As it is written in Matthew 4:6-7 (NIV): “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: ‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

Twisting the Word of God will test Him. It is a significant misuse of scripture that involves manipulating its meaning to serve one’s own purposes or to challenge God’s authority. Satan did both of these to Jesus!

In the temptation of Jesus, Satan attempted to manipulate scripture to provoke Jesus into proving His divinity by recklessly throwing Himself off of the temple. By quoting Psalm 91:11-12, Satan tried to convince Jesus that God’s promise of protection justified such a test. However, Jesus responded by quoting Deuteronomy 6:16, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.”

This response highlighted that demanding a sign or testing God’s faithfulness is a misapplication of His Word.

The debate over the application of prophecies is highly relevant in today’s interconnected global world.

By correctly interpreting and applying scripture, believers can ensure they align with God’s will and avoid the pitfalls of testing Him. As Paul advises in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV), “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Spiritual overload and exhaustion can be a tool of Satan, defined by the overwhelming amount of spiritual content that leads to confusion, distraction, and weariness in one's faith journey. 

This can occur when individuals consume excessive spiritual messages, teachings, and prophetic insights on social media platforms, causing mental and emotional fatigue. For example, constantly scrolling through conflicting interpretations of scripture or prophecies can create confusion and weaken spiritual discernment.

It's essential to prioritize quality over quantity in spiritual intake, seeking depth and authenticity in teachings rather than being swayed by the sheer volume of information available.

John 14:26 (NIV): "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

Ensure that the Holy Spirit is the primary voice guiding you, not any specific pastor, prophet, or apostle. While they have their roles, they are not the Holy Spirit. Many use social media platforms to mislead and seek attention and validation for themselves. If you disagree with them, they may aggressively confront you in front of their followers, showing little humility or love, and reacting strongly like a dog on a short leash. It's crucial to discern carefully and pay attention to these dynamics.

Remember Satan is the god of the airwaves. Today's "airwaves" can be defined as the digital communication channels, including the internet, social media, television, radio, and other forms of mass media that transmit information and influence public opinion on a global scale. These platforms often shape cultural norms, disseminate information, and impact spiritual and moral perspectives, sometimes reflecting a secular worldview rather than God's truth.

Ephesians 2:2 (KJV) reads:

"Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience."

This verse portrays Satan as exerting influence over the spiritual atmosphere or "airwaves," influencing individuals to follow worldly ways rather than God's will. And it is no mistake that he is given the title of "prince" naming the very principality running the show.

Satan, the unseen architect of rebellion, reigns supreme as the "prince of the power of the air." He manipulates the invisible currents of our world, shaping minds and cultures with a deceptive artistry. His dominion, exercised through the influence of media and communication, underscores the urgent need for spiritual discernment.

Release the grip of digital distractions. Let go of the illusion that scrolling feeds your soul. True nourishment comes from immersing yourself in the living Word. 

The Bible isn't just a book; it's a personal invitation to encounter your creator. Every page turns into a sacred appointment with Jesus. When your focus is consumed by the online realm, you trade intimacy with the Creator for the counterfeit connections of this world.

1 John 4:1 (NIV): "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

False prophets and deceptive spirits can twist the Word of God to mislead and draw people away from His truth, highlighting the necessity of relying on scripture and the Holy Spirit for discernment.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 (NIV): "And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."

This is a warning to all that Satan and his agents can appear as bearers of light and truth but ultimately deceive with false teachings. It emphasizes the need for discernment in distinguishing between God's genuine guidance and the deceptive words that may lead us astray.

Heavenly Father,

Grant me discernment in this digital age filled with information and spiritual messages. Protect me from deception and falsehoods online. Help me distinguish what is truly from you and guard my heart from distractions and temptations. Guide me to use digital tools wisely for your glory, staying rooted in your Word and seeking your face daily in prayer.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations © 2024. All rights reserved.