You are manipulated not because the manipulator is powerful, but because someone has learned your weaknesses and your pride points. They have observed your patterns, identified what moves you emotionally, and discovered what you deeply desire or fear. Manipulation, at its core, is the art of exploiting what you have unknowingly revealed.
This is why the transformation must happen in the one who is being manipulated, not the manipulator. Waiting for the serpent to change is foolishness—serpents don’t repent, they deceive. What must change is Eve’s eyes—so they no longer find the forbidden fruit attractive. What must change is her heart—so it no longer carries selfish and ungodly ambition.
“The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?” – Jeremiah 17:9
You may ask, “How did this person know how to manipulate me so precisely?” The answer lies in self-exposure. Somewhere along the line, you gave too much of yourself away—to the wrong person. Whether through misplaced trust, a desire to be seen, or unguarded vulnerability, you handed someone the blueprint of your soul without discernment.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
This is not a call to mistrust everyone, but a reminder that spiritual maturity includes discernment. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him, but He never handed Judas authority over His identity or mission. In contrast, many of us empower the wrong people by allowing them too much access, too early, without the testing of fruit and spirit.
So the change must begin with you:
- Eyes that see clearly and are no longer deceived by appearances.
- A heart that is surrendered to God’s will, not selfish ambition.
- Boundaries rooted in wisdom, not fear or pride.
- A spirit trained to discern the voice of God over the voice of flattery or manipulation.
Ask God to sharpen your discernment, to strengthen your identity in Him, and to heal every place that craves approval or significance from the wrong sources.
“Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” – Matthew 10:16
The serpent will always be the serpent. But Eve can rise—wiser, bolder, and grounded in truth
Chosen Warrior 