False messiahs and false prophets will arise at the end of the age, but they will also appear in times of great cultural transition leading up to those final days. The most dangerous attitude to have in those uncertain times is the assumptions we form that are not in line with the truth of God’s word.

As Jesus foretold of the future and the end of the age, He said, “For false messiahs and false prophets will rise and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Watch out! I have warned you about this ahead of time!” (Mark 13: 22-23).

To watch out means to contemplate something, to consider it, to investigate its content to determine whether it is true or not. This watching attitude takes effort on our part as we place the lens of Scripture over each assumption to see if they align with the truth. This is especially important when the outward evidence demonstrated by a false prophet or false messiah seems to support our errant assumption.

We have entered a time when what we assume to be true and acceptable can lead us in a direction contrary to God’s will. None of us who call ourselves a follower of Jesus can afford to follow our assumptions. Only God’s word and the Spirit can lead us into all truth.

This is not about having a witch-hunt attitude formed from the content of a suspicious heart. It is holding up God’s word and following its truth into all our relationships and decisions to discern who or what is speaking to us. This discernment must be done when we see signs and wonders being demonstrated to garner our support.

The Spirit must discern all things before we accept them as the truth. Our undiscerned assumptions will lead us astray. Jesus warned us of this beforehand. The Lord’s warning, if heeded, is a protection for us when it appears the world is spinning out of control and many false voices are trying to gain our attention and support our assumptions.