Spirit of Stepford: Identifying Destiny Killers

The school bell has rung, class is now in session.

Recently, I was listening to someone share their testimony, and she cautioned those listening to be watchful of destiny killers. She described these people in two ways. One way was that they were people who were obviously not on your team. The other way was that they would behave as a friend but secretively work against you. Destiny killers are very dangerous because they come to cause a disruption of God’s plan and purpose for your life. They completely change your direction, and in the end, cause you not to recognize yourself anymore. This reminded me of a book I read a while ago, published in 1972, titled, The Stepford Wives.

I came up with the term “Spirit of Stepford” to describe the characteristics of destiny killers because this is exactly what the town did to people in the book. Stepford was a scenic town based on Wilton, Connecticut; that appeared to have a traditional “Leave it to Beaver” type of air.

Stepford had clean air, nice neighbors and neighborhoods (think Mr. Rogers), lucrative careers, plenty of greenery, and good schools. Who would not want to live in such a place?!

When one of the newest families, The Eberhart’s, moved there from busy, New York City, they could not believe the contrast.

Things were so quiet, and tranquil, in comparison to the city. They felt they had finally arrived and were indeed fulfilling their destinies. They had a nice big house, great career and everything seemed to finally fall into place.

Here lies the deception.

You cannot base your destiny on material things. This is something destiny killers use to lure you into their lair and to distract you before your future is devoured. At first The Eberhart’s thought things were lovely but seemed a little strange. Eventually, Mr. Eberhart was invited into the Stepford Men’s Association and that is when things took a turn for the worse.

Finally, he was about to belong and thought these men were his friends. Behind the scenes, the men were secretly scheming to alter and transform his and his family’s lives forever. And to think, they did it all with an handshake of friendship and a smile.

Beware of Destiny Killers

These are people who want to take you off course. Why? Because believe it or not, there are forces that exist that do not want you to succeed. They are forces that would like nothing more than to keep you going around in circles. Like the Book of Numbers mentioned about the Israelites. An 11-day trip taking 40 years due to distraction, disobedience and lack of faith. Their destination was the Promise Land, but their opposition did not want them to get there. The opposition won, most did not see the Promise Land because by the time the group reached it, a new generation had been born.

It is imperative to know your purpose/destiny/destination and diligently, pursue to it. If you are sure about your destiny, you will easily recognize, and run away from the people who subtly, start plotting against it.

In Stepford, Mr. Eberhart was so impressed with the town and flattered by being invited in the Men’s Association that he was talked into having his wife killed and replaced by a robot. This may sound farfetched, but how many stories can you think of where people became delusional, and were willing to lose their families for wealth, power and position? I can think of many.

Upon first learning of this plot, Mr. Eberhart was very disheartened and cried often. They asked him to take some time to think about it. This is when his wife begins to notice a change in him, and asked about moving, but Mr. Eberhart was too enraptured with everything to give it up.

Unfortunately, by the time she realized what was really going on, and how the town of Stepford was really a toxic place that completely ruined people’s lives, it was too late, and their destiny was forever changed.

Broken

When you are operating out of your purpose/destiny, you may feel broken.

Be vigilant, keep destiny killers out of your mind, thoughts and inner circle. If they are there, kick them out!

Instead, surround yourselves with destiny helpers.

Destiny Helpers

These are people who will encourage you. They will have your best interest at heart, and you will not feel as though you must sleep with one eye open around them.

Destiny helpers have integrity, they will be the same in front of you and when you are not around.

Destiny helpers do not wear a mask.

Destiny helpers build trust.

Destiny helpers will sometimes tell you things you do not want to hear but it for your own good.

Destiny helper are in your life to strengthen and catapult you towards your calling and purpose.

Destiny helpers will not flatter you.

If people were not so vain, and ego driven, they would be less likely to open the door to destiny killers. They would notice them earlier instead of when it was too late.

It is my hope that you learn a lesson from the Spirit of Stepford, beware of destiny killers and their subtle sabotage. They will lead you like a lamb to the slaughter.

The school bell has rung, class dismissed.