THE FAMILIAR SPIRIT - by Gwendolyn D Hanssen

THE FAMILIAR SPIRIT

By: Gwendolyn D Hanssen

It is such a sad day to watch those who we have walked with for many years, who are sincere in their walk with God, become swallowed up by spiritual deceit, namely the deceit of a familiar spirit.

What is a familiar spirit? The word “familiar” in the phrase familiar spirit comes from the Latin word familiaris. This refers to a friend or a familiar acquaintance—one who is intimately attached. The familiar spirit is a counterfeit spirit; a substitute spirit for the true Spirit of God. To further explain - when Saul initially enquired of the Lord but did not get any answer - what did he do? He, instead, looked for a medium to give him answers (1 Samuel 28:5-7). He found the witch of Endor who possessed a familiar spirit.

By looking at the Latin word “familiaris”, we can then understand why a person who is operating under a familiar spirit is driven to form “friendships” and create leagues in order to gain allegiance or devotion. A person operating under this age-old spirit forms personal bonds to bring others to themselves and viewpoint. This ungodly union is exactly as the Word of God states - “familiar” and should have no place in the Church. We are not to know each other after the flesh, but rather after the spirit (2 Corinthians 5:16). As per scripture, flesh to flesh familiarity should have no place within the Body of Christ and especially shepherd to sheep. We, as ministers, are to know our sheep by the spirit, else discernment and guidance becomes muddled.

Unfortunately, ministers or shepherds, all too often, use the vice of familiarity to bring others to themselves as they form personal “friendships” and begin to confide in the sheep. As a result, true guidance of the Holy Ghost is nowhere in the picture. Rather, carnal loyalties take the place of walking with and supporting an anointed leader who hosts a true mantle of kingly/priestly authority. How incredibly sad when a shepherd of God’s precious sheep makes his/her rounds whispering as they go.

It is extremely disheartening as some so readily listen to the voices of those operating under this foul spirit instead of falling on their faces in prayer and asking the Lord for true discernment. Jesus taught us that it is by the fruit on a person’s tree that we truly know who they are. (Matthew 7: 16,20)

As of late, I have been studying this subject due to being awakened early one morning with the words “familiar spirit” ringing in my ears and a banner with the word “PRIDE” written in puffy, white letters before my eyes. I was immediately reminded of King Uzziah who was smitten with leprosy because of the covetous pride he had of wanting to minister as the priests ministered. In other words, he wanted to stand in a priestly office for which he did not have the mantle to stand or minister. No doubt, a lying, familiar spirit caused him to believe that his calling was more than adequate to step into the arena of priesthood ministry for which he was not called, in turn, this caused his downfall. Note to self - pride, left unchecked, will leave us all thinking that we are more than we are. It is destructive not only to ourselves, but also to the Kingdom of God.

In order for us to guard ourselves from this deceptive spirit, let’s look at some of the traits of a person operating under the influence of the familiar spirit:

-Refuses to submit to authority all the while pretending as if they are submissive.

-They appear to be prophetic. Bring “words of prophecy” on a perpetual, regular basis. This spirit loves to be heard.

-They work hard to show just how “humble” they are.

-Creates familiarity and friendships between themselves and others for self gain.

-They are often very charismatic and charming. People think this person is so “kind and loving”.

-They twist the truth to the point of lying for personal profit in order to draw allegiance to themselves or their cause.

-People who are being seduced by someone with a familiar spirit believe they have inside information or unforeseen knowledge just as those who sought after familiar spirits in the Word did (i.e. Saul who sought the familiar spirit in order to win the battle- I Samuel 28).

Are you being seduced by a familiar spirit or are you following after a true prophetic voice whose tree hangs with the power, Spirit and beautiful fruit of the revealed Word of God?

Think about it. Seek to know - not from others, but from the voice of God. God’s true servants are those who stand in silent submission with a confidence and an understanding that the truth will always rise to the top and float above the dross of self preservation.