Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out unto the world – 1st John 4:1

When being influenced, we should weigh the thought or action against the word of God. If it doesn’t come in line with the word of God, then it’s a deceiving spirit.

Every thought that comes to our mind is not of God, neither is every action. Sometimes we’re influenced by our motives and desires. Then there are times, Satan sends his imps to try to influence us to disobey the word of God. This is why it is so important to have a prayer life as well as taking time to read and study the word of God.

When we have a relationship with God and His word, we will not be so easily influenced to jump at every thought or action that comes to our mind. We should test the thought, desire and action with the word of God. If it’s against the instructions of God’s written word, then we will know it’s Satan’s spirit and it’s not of God. But if we don’t know the word of God nor have a relationship with Him, we will not know whether it’s God or Satan spirit that’s giving us the influence!