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Distinguishing Alters & Evil Spirits
(This page is primarily for counselors working with MPD or DID,
but may also be valuable to those struggling with this disorder.)

       In doing spiritual warfare, Paul wrote, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:18).  There are two key words: watch and pray. Prayer should be the first priority, but watching also is important.  You don't have to pray with your eyes closed either.  One should pray for spiritual discernment.  "And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha" (II Kings 6:17).

    Second, there is a manifestation of the work of the Spirit that is given to certain individuals.  "To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues" (I Corinthians 12:10).  This work of the Spirit is essential in counseling and spiritual warfare. Again, spiritual discernment goes beyond the natural senses.  Jesus relied upon this work of the Spirit.  "And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?" (Mark 2:8).

    Third, a person who is spiritually mature should have a discerning spirit.  "But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man" (I Corinthians 2:15).  The word "judgeth" could better be translated "discerns".   "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished" (Proverbs 22:2).

    Fourth, there is also some natural indicators that one may use to bring about discernment.  "And beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the youths, a young man void of understanding" (Proverbs 7:7).  The eyes are often the window to the soul.
 

Alters
Evil Spirits
Alters generally have the purpose of protecting. 
They act as a defense mechanism.
Evil spirits always have the purpose to steal, kill, and destroy.
Alters may be mischievous or act in sinful ways.
Evil spirits by nature are deceptive and evil.
Alters may come to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour.
Evil spirits will not honestly confess Jesus as their Lord.
Alters may pull pranks on one another 
or the primary individual.
Evil spirits create sinister traps for failure 
to the individual and alters.
Alters may become very fearful.
Evil spirits cause or promote fear.
Alters may exhibit hate or bitterness.
Evil spirits promote hate and bitterness.
Alters have a place in the internal family.
Evil spirits generally appear to be external to the family.
Alters may be subservient in the individual.
Evil spirits demand control themselves.
Alters may be persuaded into coming to the truth.
Evil spirits will not be persuaded, but continue to argue.
Alters may feel guilt and remorse about wrong.
Evil spirits create feelings of guilt and have no remorse.
Alters may become caregivers for younger alters 
or the nursery.
Evil spirits remain cold and distant except 
to promote evil in the family.
Alters often appear as having a human body or human form.
Evil spirits may appear as having a demonic form or no body.
Alters are consistent in character (Mary will be Mary until integration or healing).
Evil spirits may assume more than one character (even that of an alter after the alter is integrated).
Alters may take on the role of being distracters to protect the individual from harm.
Evil spirits will distract the individual from God, the Word, and from getting appropriate help.
Alters may attempt to comfort or warn the individual 
and other alters.
Evil spirits accuse, belittle, harass, and may even cause physical torment.
Alters may be integrated into the primary individual.  However, they may be recreated in a time of distress.
Evil spirits can not be integrated, but may take on the name of an alter after the alter is integrated.
Alters may take on the sexual character which is opposite to the primary individual.
Evil spirits promote deviant, immoral, sexual activity that is prohibited by Scripture.


    I am also convinced that the base individual has great difficulty distinguishing between alters and evil spirits posing as alters.  Why? Because the individual is depending upon "alters" to be his defense rather than God.