By Oyewole Sarumi
Beloved colleagues and fellow shepherds, we are witnessing an unprecedented crisis in our generation. Never before have believers had such instant access to spiritual content, yet never before have so many been led astray by the very tools designed to connect them to truth.
The apostle Paul’s warning to Timothy rings with prophetic urgency in our digital age: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” (2 Timothy 4:3).
The scroll has been replaced by the feed. The altar has been overshadowed by the algorithm. This is the seduction of our moment, the digital delusion that masks deception as revelation.
Let us examine how the enemy has weaponized our devices to distract, divert, and destroy, and let us call God’s people back to the ancient path, the sure foundation of faithful study and Spirit-led discernment.
How Many Believers Get Misled Online
· They crave novelty instead of truth.
They prefer entertainment instead of edification..
They embrace popularity instead of purity.
· They desire affirmation instead of transformation.
· They value experiences instead of exegesis.
· They hunger for signs instead of continuous salvation.
· They prioritize platforms instead of prayer.
· They seek sensationalism instead of sound doctrine.
· They follow personalities instead of person of Jesus.
· They listen to voices instead of the Voice.
· They collect teachings instead of living the Truth.
· They look for loopholes instead of lordship.
· They want comfort instead of conviction.
· They demand relevance instead of reverence.
· They chase spiritual highs instead of holy habits.
· They pursue gifting instead of godliness.
· They desire recognition instead of righteousness.
· They follow feelings instead of faith.
· They seek success instead of surrender.
· They want quick fixes instead of quiet faithfulness.
· They follow charisma instead of character.
· They embrace what tickles ears instead of what transforms hearts.
· They scroll for inspiration instead of kneeling for intercession.
· They pursue emotion instead of Scripture.
· They watch sermons instead of washing in the Word.
· They Google answers instead of groaning in prayer.
· They prefer memes over meditation.
· They choose hype over holiness.
· They are drawn to dazzling lights instead of the Light of the World.
· They look for shortcuts instead of the straight gate.
· They embrace algorithms instead of the Altar.
· They follow influencers instead of intimacy.
· They settle for clips instead of context.
· They crave soundbites instead of sound doctrine.
· They chase miracles instead of the message.
· They hunger for sensationalism instead of sanctification.
· They seek popularity instead of purity.
· They desire comfort instead of conviction.
· They pursue manifestation instead of maturity.
· They chase trends instead of truth.
· They seek prophecy instead of Christ.
· They turn to motivators instead of mentors.
Conclusion
Beloved, the hour is late and the deception is great. Let us return to the ancient paths, the sure foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone. Test everything. Hold fast to what is good. Let God be true and every man a liar.
Let us be Bereans, searching the Scriptures daily to see whether these things are so. For the sheep who know the Shepherd’s voice will not follow another. The Word of the Lord endures forever, and blessed is the one who delights in His law and meditates upon it day and night.
May we be found faithful, not simply informed, but transformed by the renewing of our minds. To Him who is able to keep us from stumbling and to present us blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
Prof. Sarumi, a pastor and a teacher of the Word, write from Lagos.
