America And The Demon Of Identity Theft: The Invasion Of Familiar Spirits
In the United States, one of the most insidious and growing threats to individual safety and privacy is identity theft. Millions of Americans fall victim to these crimes each year, often leaving them financially devastated, emotionally traumatized, and spiritually disoriented. While many see identity theft as a mere crime rooted in greed, there is a deeper spiritual reality at play. For Messianic Jewish believers, the rise of identity theft serves as a stark reminder of how familiar spirits and demonic forces work in the unseen realms to deceive, exploit, and control God's people.
As believers in Yeshua, we are called to be discerning and vigilant, especially in a world where invisible spiritual forces continually seek to ensnare us. Familiar spirits—demonic entities that disguise themselves as familiar, often comforting, influences—play a significant role in this deception. By examining the issue of identity theft through a biblical lens, we can understand how this growing epidemic is more than just a financial crime; it is a manifestation of spiritual warfare designed to rob God's people of their true identity, both in the physical and spiritual realms.
In this article, we will explore the connection between familiar spirits, identity theft, and the spiritual battle that is taking place in America today. Using the Scriptures from the Old Testament and the Gospels of Jesus, we will see how these demonic forces have been at work for centuries and how they continue to wreak havoc in the lives of individuals and nations.
The Spiritual Deception Behind Identity Theft
Identity theft is not just about stealing a person’s social security number or bank account information; it is about stealing a person’s very identity. When someone has their identity stolen, it is more than just a financial loss—it is a psychological and emotional violation. It affects a person’s sense of self, their sense of security, and their trust in others. This is where the spiritual aspect of identity theft becomes so significant. Satan, the enemy of our souls, seeks to distort our true identity in God and replace it with falsehoods, lies, and confusion.
Isaiah 14:12-14 (KJV): "How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
The origin of identity theft, at its most profound level, traces back to the fall of Lucifer. Satan's sin was rooted in the desire to steal the glory and position that belonged to God alone. In this passage, we see Satan’s desire to usurp the identity and position of the Most High. This same desire to steal identity manifests in the spiritual realm and trickles down into the physical world. Satan’s goal is to confuse, distort, and steal the true identity of God's people.
Just as Satan sought to steal God’s rightful position, demonic forces today aim to steal a person’s identity—both physically and spiritually. Familiar spirits work in subtle and deceptive ways to manipulate how individuals perceive themselves. Through manipulation, lies, and fear, these spirits aim to sever individuals from their true identity in God, leading them into confusion and self-doubt.
Familiar Spirits: The Hidden Forces Behind the Theft of Identity
Familiar spirits are deceptive demonic entities that often appear as familiar or comforting voices, leading people astray. These spirits can manifest in many forms, including through false ideas, tempting distractions, and deceitful relationships. The Bible warns us time and again about the dangers of consulting these spirits, as they can lead us away from God’s truth and distort our understanding of who we are in Him.
Leviticus 19:31 (KJV): "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God."
Familiar spirits are often associated with occult practices, witchcraft, and divination. They masquerade as guides or helpful entities but are, in fact, instruments of spiritual deception. When a person’s identity is stolen through these deceptive forces, it is often because they have sought out validation or fulfillment from sources other than God. Whether it’s through the pursuit of money, status, or relationships, these spirits manipulate individuals into believing that their worth is tied to something other than their identity as children of God.
The connection between familiar spirits and identity theft is clear: just as these spirits seek to steal our identity in Christ, the act of identity theft physically robs individuals of their personal identity, financial security, and peace of mind. These demonic forces thrive in environments where people are disconnected from their true purpose and calling in God, making them more vulnerable to deception.
The Demonic Nature of Identity Theft in America
In America, the epidemic of identity theft has reached alarming levels, with millions of people falling victim to fraud every year. But the implications of this crisis go beyond just financial loss. The widespread nature of identity theft in America can be seen as part of a larger spiritual battle. As a nation, America has often turned to other sources for security, fulfillment, and identity—be it material wealth, power, or fame—rather than finding their true identity in the Creator. This spiritual vacuum has opened the door to the enemy, allowing familiar spirits to wreak havoc and steal the identities of individuals, families, and even entire communities.
Matthew 16:26 (KJV): "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
This verse serves as a stark reminder that identity theft is not only a financial issue; it is a spiritual one. The temptation to chase after worldly success, wealth, or status often leads individuals to sacrifice their true identity in Christ. As they focus on worldly pursuits, they become easy targets for the enemy, who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). In this way, familiar spirits work behind the scenes to deceive individuals into believing that their worth is based on external circumstances rather than their relationship with God.
Isaiah 59:4 (KJV): "None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity."
This verse describes the spiritual climate that allows identity theft—both spiritual and physical—to thrive. When justice is ignored, truth is abandoned, and lies are trusted, people are left vulnerable to the manipulations of the enemy. The rise of identity theft is a reflection of this deeper spiritual breakdown, where truth is obscured, and the identity of individuals is twisted and stolen.
How to Protect Your Identity and Spirit from Demonic Influence
As Messianic Jewish believers, we are called to be vigilant and protect both our physical and spiritual identities from the attacks of the enemy. Here are some key ways to guard against the demonic influence of familiar spirits and the threat of identity theft:
1. Know Who You Are in God: The foundation of protection against identity theft—spiritual or physical—is to know and embrace your true identity in God. In Christ, we are sons and daughters of the Most High, and our worth is not determined by our external circumstances but by our relationship with God (John 1:12).
2. Reject False Identities: Familiar spirits often attempt to impose false identities on us, leading us to believe that we are something we are not. We must reject these false identities and stand firm in the truth of who we are in Christ.
3. Guard Your Heart and Mind: Proverbs 4:23 warns, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." Guard your heart and mind from the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Be mindful of the media you consume and the relationships you cultivate. These can be channels through which familiar spirits work to deceive and manipulate.
4. Pray for Protection: Just as we guard our physical possessions, we must pray for God’s protection over our identities—both physical and spiritual. Ask God to shield you from the forces that seek to deceive, manipulate, and steal your identity in Him.
5. Trust in God’s Justice: Ultimately, we must trust that God will bring justice to those who attempt to steal, manipulate, and destroy. As we seek His guidance and remain faithful, He will protect our identities and restore what has been lost.
Conclusion: Stand Firm in Your True Identity
The rise of identity theft in America is not just a financial issue; it is a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness that seek to rob us of our true identity. Familiar spirits are at work behind the scenes, manipulating individuals into believing that their worth is based on external circumstances rather than their relationship with God. As Messianic Jewish believers, we are called to stand firm in our true identity in God and to reject the lies of the enemy.
By guarding our hearts, protecting our minds, and trusting in God’s protection, we can resist the demonic forces that seek to steal, kill, and destroy. May we remain vigilant and steadfast in our faith, knowing that our true identity is found in the One who created us and redeemed us through His Son, Yeshua.
