MANIPULATORS ARE PEOPLE WE SHOULD AVOID

Matthew 24:4 And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. Never let someone convince you to do something you know is wrong. Even if it's a family member or friend, wrong is wrong, and if we participate in it, we too will be held accountable to God.  2 Timothy 3:1-5 But understand this, that in the last days, there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 

There are some great manipulators in this dark world, but if we allow them to manipulate us into doing wrong, we will suffer the same consequences. Manipulators will use, talk about, and abuse the people they use to hurt someone else; you can never trust a person who will use you to do wrong to others because you will be next.

Father, do not let us fall victim to the controlling words. Instead, help us rely on and stabilize our lives on Your Word alone. Lord, help us choose our friends wisely, guide us away from the web of manipulation and control; instead, give us Your wisdom and the knowledge to implement You in our lives. Lord, give us discernment and eyes that see the enemies afar. Father, direct our path in righteousness, keep us from those trying to steer us in the opposite direction of Your will. Lord, let us see through manipulative tactics that keep us from walking in the complete honor, dignity, and integrity that You have called us to, in Jesus' name Amen.