At first, we saw a spirit of accusation rise in government, with one side against the other. Over time, it slowly escalated and grew stronger. Now, it seems, our government leaders are completely out of control.
About ten years ago, I began to wonder how this same spirit that is devouring our local and national governments might one day affect the church of Jesus Christ. Sadly, I believe we are seeing it now. In many ways, the church has fallen into the same pattern.
This is not something that only affects the outside world. It finds its way into homes, families, churches, and ministries. It causes suspicion, hurt feelings, broken trust, and division. When this spirit is at work, even sincere believers can end up fighting one another.
We must ask an important question.
Where Does Accusation Come From?
Some people call it a spirit of accusation. What they mean is this: we must look beyond what we can see with our eyes and recognize that an unseen spiritual world is at work around us. The Bible teaches us that not everything is flesh and blood.
Finally, my brethren, be strong IN the Lord, and IN the power of HIS might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (strategies) of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand (Eph 6:10-13).
Scripture is Very Clear about the Source of Accusation.
In Revelation 12:10, Satan is plainly called “the accuser of our brethren.” Accusation does not come from nowhere. It comes from a source beyond the seen world. The very root of accusation comes from Satan and his minions.
We see a clear picture of this in Zechariah 3:1, where Joshua, the high priest, stands before the angel of the LORD and Satan stands at his right hand to resist and accuse him. Joshua was God’s servant, yet Satan’s aim was still to accuse, resist, and discourage.
This is important to understand. When accusation takes hold, it is often faithful people who are being targeted.
Scripture also reminds us that our real struggle is not with people. We may see faces and hear words, but behind the scenes, a deeper battle is taking place. When we forget this, brothers and sisters in Christ begin fighting each other instead of standing together.
When accusation rules, unity is torn apart. Trust is weakened. Ministries suffer. And the work of reaching a lost and dying world is damaged.
As church-going people, we would never want our ministries to keep lost people from hearing the truth. We would never intentionally withhold the gospel that set us free. Yet that is exactly what happens when the spirit of accusation drives our marriages and families, our church fellowships, and our communities. The focus shifts from Christ to warfare.
Why Accusation Finds a Foothold
It is fair to say that accusation often enters through personal pride.
Pride is something every one of us must guard against.
- Pride makes us defend ourselves instead of trusting the Lord.
- Pride causes us to assume the worst.
- Pride makes us feel justified in our anger.
When pride takes root, the unseen enemy finds easy ground to work.
For Amish people especially, humility, submission, and community have always been valued. Yet pride can quietly slip in under the cover of tradition, personal offense, or the need to be right. When that happens, even good intentions can lead to division.
Scripture gives us a better way.
In Philippians 2:5–9 we are reminded of the mind of Christ:
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant… He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him…”
Jesus overcame, not by accusation, but by humility. He laid aside His rights, trusted the Father, and walked in obedience. That same mind must be in us.
How Do We Find Freedom?
Freedom from the spirit of accusation begins with simple steps, given to us from God’s Word.
1. We must recognize the source. Accusation does not come from God. God convicts in order to restore. Satan accuses in order to destroy.
- In Revelation 12:10, Satan is called “the accuser of our brethren.”
- “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10).
2. We must lay down our pride. Pride pushes us to keep fighting. Humility invites God to step in. When we surrender our status and our need to be right, we make room for the Lord to defend us.
- “Pride goeth before destruction” (Proverbs 16:8).
- “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble” (James 4:6).
3. We must refuse to participate. We do not have to repeat accusations, spread suspicion, or take sides in a conflict that does not honor the Lord who set us free. Silence, prayer, and patience are often powerful acts of faith.
- “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29).
- “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
4. We must rest in Christ’s victory. We are not left to fight alone. The battle belongs to the Lord (Read 2 Chronicles chapter 20).
- “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
- “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:14).
When we rest in Christ and let Him fight our battles, accusations lose their power.
1 John 4:4 reminds us:
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
Christ in us is greater than any accusing voice around us. When we humble ourselves and trust Him, He fights the unseen battle on our behalf.
May God help us guard unity, walk in humility, and keep the gospel clear before a world that desperately needs truth and hope.
A Prayer for All of Us
Lord God Almighty, all-seeing, all-knowing, and everywhere present, we come to You knowing that we are weak, but You are strong. Forgive us for the pride that so easily rises in our hearts. Help us to see beyond flesh and blood and recognize the true enemy. Protect our homes, our churches, and our ministries from accusation and division. Give us the mind of Christ, a humble and obedient spirit, and hearts that love truth and peace. Teach us to rest in You and trust You to fight our battles. May Your church stand united, so that the lost may clearly see Jesus and be drawn to Him. In Jesus name, we ask these things. Amen.