The way to know if something is a lie is to know the truth. Sounds easy, doesn’t it?
Most lies contain a certain amount of truth – that’s why it’s easy to be deceived. Take Eve for example . . . poor girl always comes up when we think of being easily persuaded. The silver-tongued devil coils up right next to her to entice with flattering language.
And she falls . . . . for it.
The first lie in the Bible came early – right there in Genesis spoken by the father of lies. He said the tricky line, “ surely you will not die.” The lie we love to hear, “live like you want – no consequences attached.”
We’re hearing the same antique line today from the world dressed up like a church when we tell people they can live the way they want while worshipping the idol of tolerance. We need to discern the counterfeit whether we’re sitting in a pew or holding a remote. We can only find discernment when we compare everything to the true Word of God.
A lie doesn’t become truth just because everybody believes it.
We live in an age of twisted grace. A different gospel than what Paul was teaching:
But, I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s craftiness, your mind may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. 2 Corinthians 11:2-4
Often we hear deception or naivete linked to women . . . if this was just a female trait we wouldn’t have the story of gullible Samson who woke up with a haircut.
Unfortunately, I’ve been led the wrong way more than once. We all have.
This semester we’re studying 2 Peter in our Precept Upon Precept class – how to discern the true from the false teachers. A long and accurate list in chapter two helps to see under the sheep costume right into the face of the wolf. As followers of Christ we need to be alert and study the word of God, line upon plumb line. Then we will not become prey for life-hackers that try to steal and destroy.
If we are simply motivated to be comfortable, it will be easy to believe the lie by those preaching a different gospel. Their words are desirable and the trick lies down right alongside of the truth. Know the difference.
I love the attached photo of the smiling, welcoming jack-o-lantern, but then we look inside and see what’s really inside. Scary.
Verna
Verna,
We don’t always see the enemy as Eve did, but he still prowls around seeking to deceive, devour and destroy with his lies. So grateful the Living Word within gave His Written Word that we might recognize truth and resist error. Thanks be to God Truth is found in Jesus…the way, the truth, and the life. Loved your thoughts. Thanks for sharing sweet friend.
. . . and thank you for stopping by so faithfully . . . and encouraging me.
Hi Verna! Your posts continue to encourage my heart and focus my thoughts and mind in and on the source of truth. I hope that knowing the Lord provides you the opportunity and success of encouraging others is a source of encouragement and joy to you as well!
And it gives me the sweet opportunity of receiving encouragement from those I miss . . . love you Tammie!
So true, Verna! Thank you for reminding us of our responsibility to know truth for ourselves, and to take a stand against the deception, and be rattled out of our complacency. A good message to be taken very seriously.
. . . yes, we do need to be rattled out of complacency! Thanks, Laura!