Warning Signs of a Religious Spirit

The New Testament Scriptures Reveal Warning Signs of a Religious Spirit When we think of religion, we often think of deep devotion and reverence for a higher power.

However, the New Testament reveals that religion can also manifest in negative ways, such as being hypocritical, judgmental, and legalistic. These traits, which are often associated with a religious spirit, can be harmful to both individuals and communities. In this article, we will explore how the New Testament Scriptures expose the warning signs of a religious spirit.

One of the most well-known passages that reveals the dangers of a religious spirit is found in Matthew 23:23: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former."

In this verse, Jesus does not hold back when it comes to calling out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders of his time. He condemns them for being more focused on following religious rules than showing love and mercy to others. This can be a warning sign of a religious spirit when external practices and rituals become more important than truly living out the core principles of faith.

In Luke 18:11–12, Jesus tells a parable that illustrates the attitude of a religiously prideful person who looks down on others and boasts about their own spiritual practices. He says, "The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'" This type of mindset can lead to feelings of superiority and judgment towards those who do not follow the same religious practices.

Another passage in Luke 11:37–44 exposes the Pharisees' focus on outward appearances and rituals rather than inner purity and righteousness. Jesus says, "But the Pharisee was surprised when he noticed that Jesus did not first wash before the meal. Then the Lord said to him, 'Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness... You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?'"

A religious spirit may prioritize looking righteous and following traditions rather than genuinely growing in one's faith and relationship with God. In Mark 7:1–8, the Pharisees question Jesus about why His disciples do not follow the traditions of the elders. Jesus responds by challenging their obsession with external rules and rituals, rather than focusing on genuine inner devotion and spiritual growth.

He says, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from mine."They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules." This reveals another warning sign of a religious spirit: when man-made rules and traditions take priority over a personal relationship with God.

The Apostle Paul also warns against a legalistic approach to faith in Galatians 5:1, saying, "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." This verse emphasizes that true freedom comes through faith in Christ, not through strict adherence to religious rules and regulations. A religious spirit may focus on following rules and rituals as a means to earn salvation, rather than recognizing that it is through faith in Christ alone.

In Colossians 2:20–23, Paul further warns against a legalistic approach to religion, saying, "Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 'Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!'? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility, and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."

This passage highlights how a religious spirit can lead to an appearance of holiness but lack any true spiritual value. Finally, the Apostle James cautions against a judgmental attitude in James 4:11–12, saying, "Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one lawgiver and judge—the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?"

A religious spirit may cause one to be quick to judge and condemn others rather than practicing love and compassion as true followers of Christ.

In conclusion, the New Testament Scriptures reveal warning signs of a religious spirit that can be harmful to both individuals and communities. We must be mindful of our attitudes and actions and strive to follow the true principles of faith—loving God and loving others. Let us remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-2: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."