I understand Dawn, and I definitely agree that ‘the heart’ is the key issue:

“…For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7b

In fact, that is the crux of the Gospel; we are born in ‘sin’ - a heart that will naturally seek its own will above God’s; that will ultimately rebel against God - and that will ultimately lead us to destruction and eternal separation from God, unless we receive ‘new hearts’ through being ‘born again’ by the Spirit of God. And, according to the New Testament, that comes by faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, trusting Him as our Redeeming Savior.

Along with that new heart, we receive the Holy Spirit, to guide and instruct us in all things - including the discernment to recognize deceptions that we would have no hope of seeing otherwise. That particular gift is of great importance today, and it will only become more important as we move forward. God bless!