Gullible: Understanding Naïveté and Developing Discernment in the Christian Life

Gullibility, characterized by an undue tendency to believe without proper verification, poses significant spiritual dangers for believers. While trust is a virtue, Scripture repeatedly warns against being easily deceived, urging Christians to cultivate wisdom, discernment, and spiritual sensitivity to avoid being misled by false teachings, deceptive individuals, or the enemy's schemes.

Understanding Gullibility

Because a gullible person is unduly trusting, they are easily fooled and taken advantage of. “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps” (Prov 14:15). The advice of wisdom to “You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding” (Prov 8:5).

Don't be mislead

Joshua and his officials were duped by deception when they believed the fabricated evidence of the Gibeonites without “inquiring of the Lord” (Josh 9:3-19).

While we should be able to trust people are telling the truth, do not overlook any witness within your spirit to the contrary. We should cultivate a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit so He can communicate with us at all times, keeping us from such disasters. Jesus said, “Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does” (Jn 10:37-38). He was saying 'look at the evidence – isn't what I am doing the kind of things God would do?'

Guarding Against Deception

Do not fall for the plausible lies of Satan, to cheat you out of your standing in Christ by implying God doesn't mean what He says (Gen 3:1-5). Know what the Bible says so you are not tricked by the fine sounding arguments of false teaching that minimises the seriousness of sin and detracts from the teaching and principles of Scripture (Col 2:4).

Christians should be discerning not gullible

Be discerning so you recognize what is not right, knowing what is of God and what isn't (Prov 22:3; 1 Jn 4:1).

One New Testament church group were commended for their scrutiny of new teaching, “they examined the Scriptures every day to see if what was taught to them was true” (Act 17:11). Do I take such diligence to check out what I receive? By smooth talk and flattery, the minds of naïve people are deceived so “Let no one deceive you with empty words…” (Rom 16:18; Eph 5:6).

The warning is people will turn from sound doctrine, by listening to false teaching and myths which their carnal minds want to hear (2 Tim 4:3-4). Having a close walk with God, being sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit, knowing the Bible and being in relationship with other believers will protect us from being conned by the multitude of ideas that are not of God and would lead us astray.

Discerning God's Guidance

Any guidance that comes from God will not contradict any command or principle of the Scriptures. The Bible's teachings, not our sinful, selfish desires are to govern our lives. In the major decisions of life ask other mature believers to clarify what you believe God is saying to you, so you remain on course.

Test everything (1 Thes 5:21)

Jesus said, in the last days when people say, “Look here is the Christ” – do not believe it, for His coming will be instantaneous and there will be numerous deceivers abroad (Mt 24:23-26).

Reflection and Application:

Am I too quick to believe without seeking God's confirmation?
Do I regularly examine Scripture to verify teaching I receive?
How sensitive am I to the Holy Spirit's warnings?
Do I seek counsel from mature believers before major decisions?