What I Learned Through My Experience as a Cult Member (Conclusion)

Obviously, one does not go through an experience such as cult involvement without it greatly impacting her life. The initial impact for me was of course negative, but thankfully, over time, positive things came about as a result of what I experienced. I've been reminded many times throughout my life that what man intends as evil and to harm me, is often used by God to bring about His purposes in my life and to ultimately bless me (see Genesis 50:20). Such was the case with this experience as well. How could good come from such evil? Here are some examples:

First, I obviously learned to be more discerning. By nature, I am an impulsive person, and I don't find it easy to wait and be patient. That has gotten me into a lot of trouble in my life, and this involvement with the cult is just one example. Had I slowed down, pulled back from the pleading voices, and investigated things more thoroughly before dropping everything and jumping in with both feet, I could have been spared that entire ordeal. Although I still mess up sometimes as a result of my impulsive nature, I now seldom give an immediate response when asked to consider something, especially if it is a big, potentially life changing situation.

Second, I've learned to get counsel from others. By nature, I'm also headstrong and independent. I want to make decisions on my own, and often think I know better than others, even those who are older and wiser. Had I listened to the counsel of my pastor prior to going and joining this group, I would have taken more time to check into things. You see, he knew someone who lived in the city this group was located in, and asked for their opinion. Although they didn't use the word, "cult" to describe the group, the people indicated that this group was way out there, not connected with any of the other local ministries or churches, and not highly regarded. He advised me not to go. But of course I thought I knew better, so went anyway. Many times since my cult experience, I've been reminded of the words found in Proverbs 1:5, "A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel." I don't always do what others advise me to do, but I have learned to carefully consider their words, and when cautioned, take more time to pray, seek additional guidance, and gather more information before making a big decision.

The group I was involved in was extreme in many ways, including poverty. Although I don't advocate poverty as a good or necessary thing, there was some good that came out of that aspect of my time in the cult. Prior to joining the cult, I was very materialistic. I was used to having nice clothes, a nice car, and plenty of spending money. Although there is nothing wrong with any of those things, having them stripped away from me for a period of time helped me to learn not to depend on material things as the source of my comfort or happiness. In Philippians 4:11 Paul writes, "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little." That is also the case for me.

I've found that I adjust very easily to almost any circumstance or situation. For instance, a couple of years back, due to a time of protracted unemployment, I moved from a large, beautiful home, into a small, low-income apartment. That was a hard decision to make, but as soon as I made the decision, I saw the apartment as a blessing from God, and have now been happily living in it for over two years. Just last month I made my fourth trip to India, to do mission work. The Indian person hosting me mentioned to my boss how pleased he was with how easily I adapted to their limited resources. How can I be content when I go from much to little? Because like Paul, who had been blessed with abundance and also experienced poverty, I have "learned to get along happily whether I have much or little." That attitude is truly a treasure that I gained from my time in the cult.

Finally, I have learned that although people may fail me or take advantage of me, God never fails me. He is always there. He is always faithful. And when I call out to Him in my distress, He always delivers me in sometimes amazing and miraculous ways. He's a master at taking what man intends for evil and turning it into good.

Note: This is the final installment on a series of articles written to detail my experience as a former cult member. To understand the big picture, please read the rest of the series. Thank you!