In today’s world, spirituality is a hot topic, but not everything labelled “spiritual” aligns with true Christianity. Many young believers are being pulled into a mix of Christianity and other spiritual practices, sometimes unknowingly. The enemy works subtly, often disguising deception as light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Christ is the foundation for Christianity.
This discussion builds on the previous series. As mentioned, all humans are spirits inhabiting physical bodies, as the earth was created for physical beings. Every spirit, whether good or evil, requires a body.
How can you discern what is from God and what is not? Here are key red flags to watch out for in your spiritual journey as a young person:
1. 🚩Mixing Christianity with Other Beliefs
“I believe in Jesus, but I also believe the universe has power. I check my horoscope for guidance, and I respect ancestral spirits because they protect us. Questioning my pastor feels like questioning God Himself. And the pulpit? That’s where the Holy Spirit lives—don’t contaminate it, right?” (modern-day idolatry)
This mindset is common among young people today. It sounds harmless—after all, isn’t believing in more spiritual forces better? But here’s the problem: Christianity is exclusive. You can’t mix Jesus with other spiritual systems and still follow Him fully and completely live in His abundance.
Many people say, “The universe will reward you” or “Speak to the universe, and it will answer.” But think about it:
- Does it have its own power
- The universe comprises stars, planets, and galaxies—it is not a thinking being.
- Would you pray to your phone or your shoes? No! Because they are things, not God.
- The Bible says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). That means God is the Creator, and the universe is His creation.
So why talk to the universe when you can talk to the One who made it? God is a personal/superbeing, the universe is not.
Some Christians believe their ancestors are still guiding them. Some even pray to them or seek their protection. But what does the Bible say?
- There is only one mediator between God and man—Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5).
- The dead do not communicate with the living (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
- Seeking guidance from spirits other than God is a form of idolatry (Leviticus 19:31).
Idolatry isn’t dead—it just changed its disguise. Some worship pastors, churches, and “altars” instead of God, saying “I tap into my prophet’s grace” as if power flows from men. “I like your God” God isn’t a personal genie that belongs to individuals. Others chase money, fame, and self-image, making success their god. Even “self-love” has become a new religion where people crown themselves their own gods. But let’s be clear: Anything that replaces God in your heart is an idol. No pastor can save you. No altar holds divine power. No success fills the void of a God-sized need. “You shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3). So, who’s really on the throne of your heart?
Faith Isn’t a Side Hustle—It’s Your Foundation. Some people treat God like a backup plan: they pray when they’re in trouble but turn to trending spiritual practices when they want quick or forced results. Imagine if you only texted your best friend when you needed money or always bribed your way out—how strong would that relationship be? God wants all of you, not just part-time devotion.
Many young people don’t even realize they’re dabbling in witchcraft because it looks so innocent. It’s not just about spells and potions—modern witchcraft can be as artless as manifesting without acknowledging God, using tarot cards for “guidance,” or believing in “energies” instead of the Holy Spirit. But the Bible is clear: “Let no one be found among you who…practices divination or sorcery” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). If it requires secret rituals, special objects, or anything outside of Jesus to work—it’s not from God. Period.
Many spiritual traditions emphasize the importance of night rituals. Muslims practice Tahajjud, Hindus chant at Brahma Muhurta, and occultists and witchcraft believe that 12-3 AM holds special significance as they work better in darkness. Some Christians have unknowingly adopted this mindset. Some treat midnight prayer like a battlefield, as if God is asleep and the devil gains power at night. But does darkness weaken God? He never slumbers (Psalm 121:4), and Jesus never said, “Pray harder at 3 AM or evil will win.” He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
We don’t fight the devil with sleepless nights and fear—we stand firm in our identity and put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). Jesus told us to pray at all times—not out of panic over witches and demons, but to stay conscious of God’s presence. Prayer is about spiritual awareness, not a desperate battle for survival. Walk in victory, not fear!
It’s easy to copy what’s trending—everyone is talking about “speaking things into existence,” burning sage for energy, or wearing charms for “protection.” But just because something is popular doesn’t mean it’s right. Remember the Israelites? They built a golden statue to worship because everyone else had gods they could see (Exodus 32:4). God wasn’t impressed.
If you are in Christ, you don’t need ancestors to protect or guide you—you have God Almighty, the Creator of the universe, as your Father.
The Bible states that Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6), and you cannot serve both God and another spiritual system (1 Corinthians 10:21). The “universe” is a creation, not a deity.
Christianity is all or nothing—you either believe and trust Christ fully, or you don’t.
2. 🚩The Hidden Dangers of Meditation and Yoga
Yoga and meditation may seem harmless, but some practices go beyond health and tap into spiritual realms that don’t align with Christianity. Many yoga poses and chants were designed for Hindu worship, while some meditation techniques promote emptying the mind, which can leave one open to deception.
Biblical meditation, however, is about filling the mind with God’s Word (Joshua 1:8), not seeking mystical experiences.
What Should You Do Instead?
- Meditate on Scripture – Focus on God’s Word and His presence.
- Christ-Centered Movement – Engage in stretching and relaxation without spiritual compromise.
- Spirit-Led Mindfulness – Surrender your worries to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6-7).
True power comes from the Holy Spirit, not rituals or mysticism (Acts 1:8). Stay discerning—does this practice bring you closer to Christ, or introduce other influences?
3. 🚩Good Intentions Aren’t Enough
Many believe that having a kind heart and avoiding harm is enough. This idea, influenced by Hindu, Buddhist, and secular thought, feels fair—why would a loving God reject a “good” person? But in Christianity, this thinking is incomplete.
Imagine floating in the ocean, refusing a rescue boat because you feel safe treading water. Being “good” without Christ is like that—you may not be drowning yet, but you have no way to reach the shore. The Bible teaches that our righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6); good deeds alone can’t erase sin or provide salvation. Only Christ can redeem and transform.
Karma vs. Grace
Many believe in karma—what goes around comes around. It appeals to human fairness, but reality proves otherwise. Evil people prosper, while the righteous suffer. Why? Because God doesn’t operate on karma—He works through His will, grace, and divine plan.
If karma ruled, we’d all be doomed—every lie, selfish thought, or prideful moment would come back to us. But God offers grace instead of punishment. We don’t always get what we deserve—sometimes, we receive mercy, unearned blessings, or trials meant to refine us (James 2:13).
The Bible is clear:
No one is righteous on their own (Romans 3:23).
Satan disguises deception as light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Test everything against Scripture (1 John 4:1).
Good intentions don’t equal truth. Do good—but let your faith be anchored in Christ, not human philosophy.
4.🚩 Obsession with Wealth and Success Over God
“If I think positively and manifest, I will attract money, success, and love.”
- Many people, including Christians, are drawn to New Age teachings on manifestation, believing that thinking or speaking positively can attract wealth and success which it does but it’s not purely your power, yours can’t do without His. He is the one who brings the harvest by you aligning to his abundance within. Don’t think you control the outcome, God does.
1 Corinthians 3:6-11 This refutes the idea of self-manifestation—our efforts alone don’t create results; it’s God’s power and will that brings manifest and increase
- The danger? It removes dependence on God and places faith in one’s power.
- The Bible teaches that God is the one who provides:
“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Self-Manifestation vs. Biblical Faith: Many young people think that positive thinking and visualization can attract success. While faith is vital, we must differentiate between trusting God and attempting to control outcomes. James 4:13-17 warns against this mindset: we should say, “If it is the Lord’s will.”
YOU MAY ASK: WHY THEN DOES – MANIFESTING BRING RESULTS
Manifesting success isn’t about mystical power—it’s unknowingly applying God’s principles. Hard work, positive thinking, plain faith, focus, vibe/energy(means influence and person’s spirit), and speaking life yield results because God set these laws in motion. (Matthew 5:45), which can be used by both believers and unbelievers, just as rain falls on all.
But not all success is God’s will. The devil offered Jesus riches (Luke 4:5-7), proving that worldly success can be a trap. You can gain everything you desire and still lose yourself in the process. (Mark 8:36)
God’s way brings lasting abundance and fulfillment. Unlike self-manifestation, which only recognizes human effort, He calls us to align with His provision both physical and spiritual through his son Jesus Christ. His blessings add no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22). When He gives, He sustains. Why settle for temporary wins when you can have divine fulfillment?
Why Self-Manifestation is Problematic:
- Replaces faith in God with faith in self: Trusting in our power to attract outcomes goes against Proverbs 3:5-6.
- Ignores God’s sovereignty: self-manifestation assumes we dictate events instead of trusting God’s timing (James 4:15).
- Turns God into a tool: Some believe declaring desires obligates God to fulfill them, but He acts according to His will (1 John 5:14). What Should We Do Instead?
How to do it
- You manifest by agreeing with the Holy Spirit within you.
- Manifest but be conscious God is the overall; his time and will
- Manifest through the word of God e.g., 2 Timothy 1:7, Mark 11; 24
- Remember Galatians 2:20: True faith is about surrendering to Christ, not by self
- Trust the Holy Spirit, your teacher and guide
- Pray with humility: “Lord, if it’s Your will.”
If you ever feel the pressure to “make things happen” through your strength without submission, remember:
You plant. You water. But only God makes things grow.
Surrender your desires to Him and trust His perfect timing as you play your part.
Be wary of “prosperity gospel” teachings that make wealth the focus instead of the true gospel and obedience to God.
5.🚩 Spiritual Experiences Without Gospel Truth
“I felt a strong presence, so it must be from God.”
- Not every spiritual experience is from God. Even demons can perform miracles and create supernatural encounters.
- The Bible warns about false signs and wonders:
“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10)
- Always test every spiritual experience to see if it aligns with the Bible (1 John 4:1).
Not every spiritual experience is from God. The Bible warns that even demons can perform miracles, signs, and wonders to deceive people (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Matthew 24:24). False prophets and counterfeit spiritual manifestations exist, including false speaking in tongues and deceptive miracles. While the Holy Spirit empowers believers with genuine spiritual gifts, not all supernatural experiences glorify Jesus. Scripture commands us to test every spirit (1 John 4:1) and examine whether a miracle aligns with God’s Word, produces godly fruit, and exalts Christ (John 16:14, Galatians 5:22-23). Miracles that cause confusion, pride, or deviation from biblical truth should be carefully evaluated. Even Jesus warned that some will claim to have performed miracles in His name, yet He will say, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:21-23). True spirituality is not just about experiencing the supernatural but about remaining rooted in Christ and His Word.
Just because something is supernatural doesn’t mean it’s holy. A spiritual encounter should always draw you closer to Jesus, not just to an experience.
6.🚩 Rejecting Biblical Authority and the Church
🚩 “I don’t need church or pastors—I have my own relationship with God.“
Many young Christians believe they can walk with God alone, but Christianity was never meant to be a solo journey. Jesus established the church, and believers are described as one body with many parts—no part functions well on its own. Imagine an eye deciding it doesn’t need the rest of the body; it won’t survive long.
Yes, some churches are flawed—some are full of greed, manipulation, or false teaching. But the solution isn’t to abandon church altogether; it’s to find one that truly aligns with God’s truth. Spiritual leaders exist for a reason: to guide, correct, and equip believers. Rejecting this structure can leave you vulnerable—alone, it’s easier to misinterpret Scripture, justify sin, or get caught in deception. “Iron sharpens iron,” and faith grows stronger in the community.
Satan loves isolation. When you separate yourself, you weaken your spiritual defences. Gathering with other believers strengthens and encourages your faith. It’s not about religious obligation—it’s about accountability, growth, and walking together in truth.
Staying Spiritually Safe in Today’s Church Culture
1. Stay Rooted in Scripture – The Bible is the ultimate truth; don’t rely on feelings or trends (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. Pray for Discernment – Ask the Holy Spirit to expose deception and guide you (John 16:13).
3. Stay Connected – Isolation weakens faith; a Christ-centered community strengthens it (Hebrews 10:25).
4. Test Every Teaching – If it contradicts Jesus, reject it (1 John 4:1).
5. Seek God First – Don’t let spiritual fads replace a true relationship with Him (Matthew 6:33).
Truth isn’t found in popular beliefs—it’s found in Christ. Stay anchored.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of life and the guidance of Your Spirit. Help me grow in true spirituality—one rooted in Your Word, led by Your Spirit, and centered on Jesus Christ. Guard my heart from deception and worldly influences, and give me discernment to recognize what comes from You. Fill me with wisdom, faith, and a deep hunger for Your presence. May I remain conscious of You at all times, even when I am applying Your earthly principles to produce.
I pray for all young people in every corner of the world—Africa, America, Asia, Europe, and Australia. May our lives reflect Your love, truth, and character. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
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Hey, I’m Angeline, your RN and founder of Finally Am Found. With a heart for mentorship, I’ve been guiding teens and young adults since 2017. As a Registered Nurse, I blend medical expertise with personal experiences to create a Christ-aligned space for self-discovery. Connect with Angeline on Facebook and let the journey to self-discovery begin!
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