It never surprises me when demons embedded in culture are challenged and react to the truth, Their reaction reveals the source of their allegiance. What can surprise me is when demons embedded in the Church are exposed and aroused. This might sound unsettling to some who view a place of ministry as a spiritual sanctuary impervious to outside influence, but it is a reality of life in the Spirit. 

Whenever these unpleasant arousals take place, it is a signal the Lord is beginning to move among His people. Don’t let the exposure of darkness within our ranks make you nervous. It is a process of purification that is initiated by the Lord because we cannot always see such things at first glance.

Paul was a loving man, but he was never afraid of honestly defining the unpleasant realities of life. He said of some who caused him trouble “I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not” (II Corinthians 11:26 NLT). Other translations portray the same verse using different wording such as “Betrayed by those I thought were my brothers” (MSG) or “Spies posing as believers” (TPT).  

These embedded betrayers, imposters of love, and spies from another kingdom have been present since the Church was birthed. Our ranks are always a mixture. From time to time, the Lord will challenge these spirits housed in their willing hosts and they will become aroused and begin to react. Don’t be dismayed when this arousal happens. And don’t be thrown off when those who appeared to be righteous were nothing more than imposters embedded in a place of fellowship with a mission to deceive. When you see this taking place, realize it is the Lord who is preparing His people for a move of His Spirit – a move that is currently underway.