In today’s culture, many believers find themselves drawn to conversations that merge entrepreneurship, personal development and spirituality. Yet in this pursuit, a line often blurs between genuine biblical truth and the subtle distortions of New Age ideology.
For Christians seeking to go deeper in faith while remaining engaged in the marketplace, it is crucial to discern the difference between divine truth and the counterfeits the world presents.
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In an episode of Kap Chatfield’s Directed Life podcast, Taylor Welch from The Deep End expressed how the New Age warps and manipulates people just enough away from the truth of God’s Word, including Christians.
The Call to Build Without Compromise
There is a growing hunger among believers who want more than surface-level Christianity. These individuals love God, yet also feel called to build, create and innovate. They long to explore the deeper things of the Spirit, but without compromising their convictions or stepping into deception. In their search, they sometimes encounter teachings or platforms that raise questions—especially when terms like “manifestation,” “frequency” or “vibes” are used. The key is not to immediately reject these topics, but to examine their origins and see whether they align with the Word of God.
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The Counterfeit and the Original
Many ideas found in the New Age—such as the power of words, visualization or energy—are actually rooted in biblical principles but have been hijacked, stripped of their connection to Christ, and rebranded as mystical or secular truths, according to Welch and Chatfield.
For example, manifestation, when rightly understood, reflects God’s creative design. Humanity was made in His image, with the ability to speak life and create change through faith. But when Jesus is removed from the equation, these same principles become spiritually dangerous and lead to counterfeit power that opens the door to deception.
Redeeming What Was Stolen
For those who have come out of the New Age, sensitivity to such topics is understandable. Like an addict avoiding a relapse, it’s wise to steer clear of past strongholds. However, that doesn’t mean the church should ignore or discard spiritual truths that have been misused. Instead, Christians are called to redeem them by restoring Christ to His rightful place as the source and center of all spiritual authority.
At the heart of this discernment is a relationship with the Holy Spirit. What may be permissible for one person might not be for another, depending on their maturity and season of life. Wisdom requires nuance. The Holy Spirit leads individuals differently, but the ultimate guide remains constant: Jesus. He is not a religious idea confined to church culture but the living God who desires to be known in every sphere—including business, science and personal growth.
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As believers, we must anchor ourselves in the unshakable truth of God’s Word and be vigilant against any influence that mimics His power but denies His Lordship. The enemy is subtle, often disguising deception in language that sounds spiritual, positive and even biblical. But if we are not discerning, we risk aligning with a counterfeit spirit that leads us away from God’s purposes.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
