Some cults do seem to have lost their appeal, perhaps because of bad publicity or because their leader died. (Cults often depend on the personality of a strong leader to hold them together, and once that leader dies his followers often drift away.)

But other cults are just as active as ever, and new ones are being formed all the time. Why is this? Down inside, we all have an empty place in our souls that only God can fill. But when we ignore Him, we try to fill that empty place in other ways — and one of the ways some people try to fill it is with false religion. As our society grows more secular, we may find more and more people turning toward cults — because materialism and secularism leave our souls empty.

Don’t be led astray by those who claim to know the truth, but in reality have turned their backs on the truth God has given us in Jesus Christ. Instead, make sure of your commitment to Him, and build your life on His Word, the Bible. The Bible warns of a time when “evildoers and imposters will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).

In addition, pray for those in our society who do not know Christ, and are vulnerable to the appeal of cults. God has given us the truth; may we do everything we can to share it with others. Jesus’ words are true: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).