The psychological tendency for people to overestimate their ability to influence or control events, even when the outcome is largely determined by chance. Essentially, it’s a false feeling of being in control of something beyond one’s influence.

At its core, manipulation is another form of lying. When someone speaks falsely for the purpose of deception, he/she is being manipulative. As of late that seems to be the norm. You often hear a portion of a group of people lying and others in the same group knowingly joining or remaining silent.

Those who call themselves Christians are not exempt. The Bible has much to say about manipulation. Through examples, parables, principles, and direct commands, Scripture warns us against manipulating others.

Just as important, we should not allow ourselves to be manipulated. Jesus said, “Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves’ (Matthew 10:16). “Shrewd as snakes”—means don’t be taken advantage of; “innocent as doves”—don’t manipulate others.

It should go without saying that Christians are not to engage in manipulation or take advantage of others in any way. Paul reminds us, “Each of us must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to our neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:5).

The Apostle Paul says, “But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. (1 Corinthians 9:25).

“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers (and sisters) for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness” (James 3:1).   Believe it or not, teachers have a lot of influence. Both good and bad.

The opening stanza of the Serenity Prayer is as wise as it is hope—filled: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

It is not in the Bible. It is attributed to Karl Paul Reinhold Niebuhr. He was an American Reformed theologian, ethicist, commentator on politics, and public affairs, and a professor at Union Theological Seminary for more than 30 years.

Jesus also warned, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15).