Dustin Williams is an associate pastor at Shiloh Fellowship in Maricopa, Arizona, where he helps lead and equip a vibrant community of believers. With a heart for ministry and a passion for seeing people step into their God-given callings. Dustin also serves alongside Patricia King Ministries wherever he can—supporting outreach, media, and mentoring efforts.
Whether he’s preaching, teaching, or encouraging others behind the scenes, Dustin is committed to building the Kingdom through faith-filled leadership, practical wisdom, and Spirit-led service.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.”
— Matthew 7:15 (NIV)
Our oldest son just got his driver’s permit, which means we’ve been taking some nerve-wracking practice drives around the neighborhood. It’s exciting, humbling, and a little terrifying all at once—kind of like navigating the world we’re living in.
We are surrounded by more information than any generation before. A few decades ago, accessing knowledge took time. Now, with one click, we can find an answer, a sermon, a podcast—or a lie that sounds like truth.
As believers, we’re living in a time when discerning truth is not just helpful—it’s essential. With the rise of AI, deepfakes, viral misinformation, and cleverly packaged false doctrine, it’s easy to get caught in a web of confusion if we’re not rooted in Christ.
Truth in a Time of Deception
Bankers don’t study every counterfeit bill—they study the real thing so thoroughly that a fake is instantly recognizable. The same principle applies spiritually.
Jesus warned us clearly: deception would come looking like truth.
“Watch out for false prophets…” He said. They look harmless, even trustworthy—but underneath, they serve their own interests.
Paul echoes this in Romans:
“By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.” (Romans 16:18)
This is why discernment—the ability to tell the difference between what is true and what is almost true—is so critical.
How Do We Grow in Discernment?
1. Know the Word of God
The Bible is our standard—our anchor in stormy waters.
“For the word of God is alive and active… it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
When you know the source, the counterfeit becomes obvious.
2. Be Led by the Holy Spirit
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth:
“He will not speak on his own… and he will tell you what is yet to come.” (John 16:13)
He’s not just a comforter—He’s a guide, a teacher, and a guardian of truth in our lives.
3. Test the Spirit Behind the Message
John urges us to be careful:
“Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)
It’s not enough for something to sound spiritual—it must be of God. Every word, every teaching, every voice we listen to must align with the character of Christ and the truth of Scripture.
Ask yourself:
- Am I grounding my beliefs in the Word—or in what sounds good?
- Am I inviting the Holy Spirit to lead my thoughts and choices?
- Do I test what I hear against Scripture, or do I take it at face value?
Charles Spurgeon once said,
“Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.”
This kind of clarity comes only from walking closely with God.
Prayer
Father, in a world full of noise and confusion, help me to hear Your voice clearly. Sharpen my discernment. Anchor me in Your Word, and fill me with the Holy Spirit, so I can recognize truth and reject every counterfeit. Let me walk in wisdom and shine Your light in a world desperate for clarity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Speak Jesus – Book by Dustin & Heather Williams
This book isn’t just about words on pages; it’s an invitation to experience the tangible, life-altering power of Jesus. Dustin and Heather Williams share personal stories, biblical insights, and practical guidance, inviting readers to speak the name of Jesus with authority and expectancy.
