2 Corinthians 11:12-15 "And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim..."

"And what I do I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is not strange if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds" (2 Corinthians 11:12-15 RSV).

Question:

I have belonged to a ghost hunting group for years and am recently taking a Spiritual Warfare class. I am struggling inside as to whether it is okay for me to Biblical ghost hunt and remain a Christian and am doing the right thing? We scientifically debunk things happening, but there are times we do leave knowing there is "something" there unexplainable.

Comment:

I don't think this passage from Paul's letter has much to do with the question of spirits. It is Paul at his most complaining, as even he recognizes. ("I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. ... I feel a divine jealousy for you." [11:2]). He believes that other speakers who have visited the church in Corinth since he left have been criticizing him, his manner of speaking and his interpretation of the message of Jesus Christ. They are the 'servants of Satan' he is attacking—and they are not spirits, but flesh-and-blood ministers of the gospel. Paul goes on to boast of his own accomplishments which, he feels, makes him a more reliable teacher than they are. In the midst of his personal challenges one can find the valid spiritual perception that fear-based thoughts and beliefs may disguise themselves as expressions of light. It is important for us to discern the difference, without relying solely on the reports of our senses. How? Jesus taught that "by their fruits you will know them." In other words, what is the result of holding any particular belief or judgment in your consciousness. Does it make you feel comfortable and loving? Or anxious and fearful? When that awareness is coming from our own Christ guidance, it is that guidance that we can trust to move us forward.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed