It all started when Satan and his angelic followers allowed a sliver of suspicion to enter their minds. It ended in defiant rebellion against the family of God. Satan then planted the seed of suspicion that God was holding something back from Adam and Eve, leading them into disobedience. Cain became suspicious that God preferred Abel’s offering. His anger precipitated murder.
Suspicion is a primal fear that someone will take what we think should be ours. And suspicious mistrust has challenged the best of us. How can we overcome it?
As children we start out wanting to believe the best. But very soon we become skeptical. Eventually, if suspicion becomes our stronghold, and we refuse to put God first and be led by the Holy Spirit, we tilt out of balance. Our ability to love, accept and see the potential in others is damaged.
However, when we walk in love, we are above suspicion. So, let’s look at how three key principles can help us overcome suspicion.
Principle 1: Be ready to believe the best of every person (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
In Acts 9: 1-19 Saul, who would become Paul, is struck down while on his way to persecute God’s people in Damascus. A member in that city, Ananias, was told through a vision to go to Saul. He double checked with God, and despite his own fears, obeyed. Great accomplishments come as a result of being an obedient servant through whom God can work wonders.
Principle 2: Forgive each other as we want to be forgiven by God (Matthew 6:12).
Forgiving means that we are willing to give up the desire to punish someone for an offense. Ananias loved his enemies and did good to one who spitefully used Christians (Matthew 5:43-45). It is only when we fully appreciate the magnitude of Christ’s forgiveness that we can grow in our desire to forgive others.
Principle 3: We need to have faith in God’s protection.
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one,” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 ESV). Saul had truly done terrible things to the early Church. Should Ananias have sought out Saul without God asking him to? No! But by following the will of God, when that will was clear, Ananias was trusting in God’s protection.
Suspicion, perfectly balanced by these three factors turns into discernment based on maturity and love. Through that kind of maturity, Ananias was prepared to obey in a difficult situation.
The world around us is drowning in suspicion, and we can unintentionally bring that into the Church. We can be overly suspicious of the motives of others, especially of ministers and other leaders, and perceive every statement as controversial. We may have been burned, but loving relationships and communities do not thrive amid mistrust, suspicion, and accusation.
What truly keeps us safe from deception? Is it our “suspicion”? Or is it looking to God for protection?
In the restoration of all things that is coming, when all the works of Satan are finally destroyed, there will be no need for suspicion of any kind. If we know that to be the case, let’s be developing a mature, loving discernment now and leave our “suspicions” behind!
Tim Vail