Walking Circumspectly: A Guide to Spiritual Awareness and Intimacy with God, by John Kilpatrick

Introduction: A Personal Conversation

I am sharing this message as a friend speaking into your life. It is not a formal sermon but an invitation to reflect on your relationship with God and your walk in faith. How do you perceive God in your daily life? The goal is to embrace the call to walk circumspectly—to live with caution, wisdom, and mindfulness, especially in the times we are living in. This message will encourage you to draw closer to God, understand His guidance, and live in alignment with His truth, even as challenges and distractions abound.

A Time Like No Other

We are living in an unprecedented era—a time where confusion and uncertainty dominate every corner of life. People are struggling to make sense of what is happening around them. Questions abound about politics, elections, government institutions, and leadership. Many are left wondering, What in the world is going on? Are you ready to navigate this confusion with spiritual wisdom? These are the moments when the guidance and presence of the Holy Spirit become more essential than ever. As we step into this year and look toward the future, the Holy Spirit’s direction will be a necessity, not a luxury.

The Advent of Artificial Intelligence: A New Challenge

One of the most significant developments shaping our world today is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). With AI, the lines between reality and fiction are becoming increasingly blurred—and perhaps permanently so. AI is not going away; it is only the beginning. Once such technology has found its way into society, more advancements will inevitably follow—some potentially more concerning than AI itself.  Consider the Impact• On the Internet, particularly platforms like YouTube, it is becoming harder to discern truth from fabrication.• Deepfakes and misinformation are spreading, even falsely announcing deaths.• The erosion of truth reflects a deeper, spiritual problem.  This is more than a societal issue; it is a spiritual battle. As Jesus said: “He [Satan] is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44) How will you maintain spiritual awareness in the age of AI and faith?

Related:

• Apart of Abiding in Me, You Can Do Nothing, Jesus, iAbide.org 
• How to Discern God’s Direction for the Next Year, Vald Savchuk

The Erosion of Truth: A Spiritual Pac-Man

The enemy is like a Pac-Man, relentlessly devouring truth. This attack on truth is evident everywhere—on the Internet, in social media, and even in how people interact with one another. Truth, which brings stability, is under relentless attack. And the consequences are grave:

• Families are affected: Children and teenagers, glued to their phones, are exposed to content that distorts reality.
• Addiction to digital spaces: Many spend hours online, consuming information that is often misleading or fabricated. This addiction to falsehood is weakening society’s grip on what is real. The battle is not just technological; it is spiritual.

The Role of Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

Technology has undoubtedly brought tremendous benefits to humanity:

• Medical advancements: Life-saving treatments and discoveries have improved quality of life.
• Convenience: Everyday tasks have become easier and more efficient.
• Efficiency and productivity: Businesses and individuals can now work smarter and faster.
• Preaching the Gospel: Technology has opened doors for spreading God’s word to the ends of the earth. However, these advancements come with risks. The more technology grows, the more discernment we will need to navigate its complexities. As believers, we must walk circumspectly, understanding both the benefits and dangers technology presents. How can we use technology to enhance our intimacy with God?

Biblical Foundation: Walking Circumspectly

1. Exodus 23:13  Moses instructed the Israelites: “In all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect, and make no mention of the name of other gods, neither let it be heard out of your mouth.” This was a reminder of the importance of vigilance and purity in worship. God had led them through the Red Sea, but they were now in the wilderness—a season of testing. Their entrance into the Promised Land depended on their behavior and faithfulness.
2. Ephesians 5:15  Paul wrote: “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. ”This is a call to live wisely, considering the challenges and temptations of the world while relying on God’s wisdom. Walking circumspectly means being alert to the spiritual dangers around you and staying firmly rooted in God’s truth.

Understanding “Circumspect”

The word circumspect means being careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences. It involves:

• Awareness: Recognizing the risks in your words, actions, and decisions.
• Prudence: Exercising wisdom to avoid unnecessary harm or sin.
• Heeding God’s Guidance: Trusting the Holy Spirit to direct your steps.

This is not about paranoia but about living with spiritual awareness in a world filled with distractions and deception.

Revelation vs. Information: Lessons from the Garden

In the Garden of Eden, Satan tempted humanity to abandon revelation (direct knowledge from God) in favor of information (human knowledge). Adam and Eve lived in a state of divine revelation. Adam didn’t need to learn; he simply knew, as God revealed everything to him. But Satan tempted Eve by suggesting she needed the knowledge of good and evil. This introduced toil, struggle, and spiritual separation. Today, many prioritize facts and information over faith and revelation. While facts are important, they must not overshadow spiritual truth, which always prevails.

Your Relationship with God: How You See Him

How you perceive God shapes your ability to hear and respond to Him.

1. A Loving Father or a Demanding Father?  If you see God as a loving Father who is touched by your needs, you will joyfully pour out your heart to Him. You will trust that He cares and desires to help you.  However, if you see Him as a demanding Father who is always raising the standard—someone impossible to please—you may struggle to approach Him.
2. A Patient Teacher or an Intolerant Critic?  God is a patient teacher who gently corrects and guides you. When you make mistakes, He shows you where you went wrong for your good.
3. A Gentle Guide or a Harsh Taskmaster?  God is a kind Shepherd who protects and leads His sheep away from danger. He is not a strict guide constantly criticizing you for falling behind or making mistakes.
4. An Understanding Counselor or an Insensitive Judge?  God is a counselor who says, “I know and care about your struggles. I’m here for you.”  Your view of God determines how you approach Him in prayer and how you hear His voice.

Practical Steps to Walk Circumspectly

1. Commune with the Holy Spirit Speak with Him throughout the day, building a relationship of trust and intimacy.
2. Approach God with Confidence Recognize Him as a loving Father, patient teacher, gentle guide, and faithful provider.
3. Listen to Your Conscience Obey its warnings and convictions immediately, trusting that it aligns with God’s will.
4. Renew Your Perspective Ask God to cleanse your conscience, removing the tarnish of past transgressions, so His light can shine through.

Conclusion:

Walking in Truth Walking circumspectly means living with wisdom, vigilance, and a deep reliance on God’s truth. Remember, you are not going under—you are going over. Trust in God’s promises, listen to His voice, and live confidently in the knowledge that His truth will always prevail. “I am the resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25)  This year, let us walk with faith, wisdom, and a renewed sense of intimacy with our loving Father.