Testing the Spirits in a Digital World
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
1 John 4:1–3
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. This is how you can recognise the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Devotional
John warns believers not to accept every voice at face value, but to test the spirits. In his day, false prophets spread teachings that undermined Christ. In our day, we are surrounded by countless voices—online, in media, through technology—each claiming authority or truth.
Artificial intelligence amplifies this reality, producing information and content at breathtaking speed. But the sheer volume of words does not guarantee truth. We must still test the spirits. The ultimate test, John says, is Christ Himself—whether a message acknowledges Him as Lord, Savior, and incarnate God.
Discernment is more urgent than ever. Our task is not simply to process information but to ask: does this lead me closer to Jesus or away from Him? The Spirit of God always points to Christ.
Question to consider
How can you practice testing the voices you hear today, measuring them against the truth of Christ?
Prayer
Spirit of truth, help me to test the voices and influences in my life. Keep me centred on Jesus Christ, who came in the flesh and is Lord of all.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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