Gaslighting God | Week 2 | Pastor Ben Pierce

Gaslighting God: Understanding Manipulation in Faith

In the second week of our series on ‘Gaslighting God’, Pastor Ben Pierce challenges us to examine our beliefs and the narratives that influence them. This blog post will explore the concept of gaslighting within the context of faith and how we can avoid manipulating God in our prayers and actions.

Introduction to Gaslighting God

Gaslighting God is a concept that challenges the way we view our relationship with the divine. It urges us to examine the subtle manipulations that can occur within our faith, often stemming from external narratives that shape our beliefs. This manipulation can lead us to question God’s intentions, causing a rift in our spiritual journey.

The Importance of Voting as Believers

As believers, our participation in the democratic process is crucial. Voting is not just a civic duty; it is a way to express our values and beliefs in a tangible manner. Engaging in elections allows us to voice our opinions on policies that align with biblical principles.

• Educate Yourself: Understand the candidates and measures on your ballot.
• Vote Early: Avoid last-minute issues that may prevent you from voting.
• Vote for Values: Choose candidates who uphold the principles of your faith.

Understanding Gaslighting: A Definition

Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation tactic that seeks to make someone doubt their perceptions or beliefs. In the context of faith, it can manifest when individuals allow external influences to distort their understanding of God and His word. This manipulation can lead to confusion and a fractured relationship with the divine.

The Intersection of Science and Faith

Many people perceive a conflict between science and faith, often viewing them as opposing forces. However, this dichotomy overlooks the possibility that faith and scientific inquiry can coexist harmoniously. Understanding the scientific world through a lens of faith can deepen our appreciation for creation.

• Faith-Based Scientists: Many scientists who have made significant contributions to their fields hold strong Christian beliefs.
• Creation and Science: The origins of scientific inquiry can often be traced back to creationist perspectives.
• Embrace Questions: Allow your faith to lead you into deeper exploration of scientific concepts.
  

Narratives and Their Influence on Belief

Narratives shape our understanding of the world and our place in it. In today’s society, prevalent narratives often contradict biblical truths, leading many believers to question their faith. Recognizing these narratives is vital for maintaining a strong foundation in our beliefs.

• Awareness: Be mindful of the narratives presented in media and culture.
• Discernment: Use biblical principles to evaluate the truth of these narratives.
• Community Support: Engage with fellow believers to strengthen your understanding and resolve doubts.

The Consequences of Spiritual Manipulation

Spiritual manipulation can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including doubt, confusion, and a weakened faith. When we allow external pressures to dictate our beliefs, we risk straying from the core tenets of our faith, ultimately undermining our relationship with God.

• Loss of Trust: Doubt can erode our trust in God’s promises and character.
• Isolation: Spiritual manipulation can create a sense of isolation from God and fellow believers.
• Struggle with Identity: We may begin to question our identity as children of God.

Manipulating the Master: The Story of Martha

The story of Martha serves as a poignant illustration of manipulation in our relationship with God. Martha, busy with tasks, becomes frustrated with her sister Mary, who sits at Jesus’ feet. This narrative highlights the tension between service and connection with God.

We often find ourselves in similar situations, focusing on our duties rather than nurturing our relationship with the divine. The challenge lies in recognizing when our actions become a form of manipulation, trying to earn favor instead of simply being present with God.

The Role of Faith in Relationship with God

Faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. It is through faith that we understand His character, promises, and love. A strong faith encourages open communication with God, allowing us to express our doubts and fears without fear of judgment.

• Trust in His Plan: Faith involves trusting that God has a purpose for our lives, even when we face challenges.
• Prayer as Connection: Regular prayer fosters a deeper connection with God, enhancing our faith.
• Community of Believers: Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers strengthens our faith and encourages us in our journey.

Common Ways We Manipulate God

Manipulating God often manifests in our prayers and expectations. We might approach Him with demands rather than requests, focusing on what we want rather than what He desires for us. This can take various forms, including:

• Conditional Prayers: “God, if you do this for me, I will do that for you.” This reflects a transactional mindset rather than a relationship built on faith.
• Victim Mentality: Blaming God for our circumstances while ignoring our role in them. This is a way of shifting responsibility away from ourselves.
• Twisting Scripture: Taking verses out of context to justify our desires or actions, manipulating God’s word to fit our narrative.
• Exaggerated Crises: Creating a sense of urgency in our prayers to compel God to act, as if He needs our dramatization to respond.

Recognizing Our Own Manipulation

Self-awareness is crucial in identifying when we are manipulating God. Consider these signs:

• Frustration with Delays: If you find yourself questioning God’s timing frequently, it may indicate a desire to control the situation.
• Conditional Faith: Believing that your faith is contingent upon God’s actions rather than His character.
• Prayer as a Last Resort: Only turning to God when all other options fail, signaling a lack of trust in His plan.

Lessons from Martha: Obedience Over Manipulation

Martha’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience over manipulation. She was busy with tasks, yet her focus should have been on Jesus. Key lessons include:

• Prioritize Being Over Doing: Jesus highlighted that Mary chose the better part by sitting at His feet. We often get caught up in our responsibilities, losing sight of our relationship with God.
• Listen More, Command Less: Martha’s attempt to command Jesus to tell Mary what to do reflects a misunderstanding of His authority.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Acknowledging our limitations and turning to God in humility rather than demanding His intervention.

Understanding God’s Timeline vs. Our Own

One of the most challenging aspects of faith is aligning our expectations with God’s timing. Recognizing that:

• God Sees the Bigger Picture: Just as Martha didn’t understand Lazarus’ death, we often fail to see how God’s plans unfold over time.
• Patience is a Virtue: Trusting in God’s timing requires patience and faith, acknowledging that His delays are not denials.
• God’s Timing is Perfect: He operates outside of our constraints, and His timing is always for our ultimate good.

The Importance of Listening to God

Listening to God is essential for a healthy relationship with Him. Here are ways to cultivate this practice:

• Quiet Time: Set aside dedicated time to read Scripture and pray, allowing space for God to speak.
• Seek Guidance: Consult with spiritually mature individuals who can offer wisdom and discernment.
• Reflect and Journal: Write down your thoughts and prayers, reflecting on how God is responding to you.

Mary vs. Martha: Two Postures of Faith

The contrast between Mary and Martha illustrates two distinct approaches to faith:

• Martha’s Busy Faith: Focused on tasks, often leading to frustration and manipulation.
• Mary’s Submissive Faith: Emphasizing relationship over responsibility, trusting in Jesus’ words and timing.

These differing postures remind us to evaluate our approach to God—are we busy with our agendas, or are we willing to sit quietly at His feet?

Placing Our Concerns at Jesus’ Feet

In moments of anxiety or doubt, we can find peace by placing our concerns at Jesus’ feet. This involves:

• Honest Prayer: Coming to God with our true feelings and concerns, rather than hiding them.
• Trusting His Plan: Acknowledging that He knows what is best for us and is working all things together for our good.
• Letting Go of Control: Surrendering our need to manipulate outcomes and trusting in His sovereignty.

The Call to Surrender

Surrendering to God is not a sign of weakness but a powerful act of faith. It involves:

• Releasing Our Burdens: Letting go of what we cannot control and allowing God to take charge.
• Embracing His Will: Accepting that His plans may differ from ours but are ultimately for our benefit.
• Daily Commitment: Making a conscious choice each day to trust and follow Him, regardless of our circumstances.