December 28

What Lies Are You Believing?

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.  ––Matthew 4:8-11

Jesus provides us with the perfect template for how to respond to the lies of the devil. Think about the fact that when Jesus went into the Judean desert for forty days, he was subsisting on water only. He took no food.

Medical science tells us that a person can only go three days without water, but if healthy, can live on just water for as long as three months. The point is that Jesus was weak, tired, and hungry when the devil threw everything he had at Him. And Jesus prevailed. Here’s how: The lies the world and the enemy tell us are clearly countered by Scripture. Like Jesus and the three temptations in the wilderness, the Word is our weapon against these common lies:

Lie: “You control your destiny.”

Truth: Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. ––Proverbs 19:21

Action: Yes, it’s fine to make plans, but we must surrender them to God and listen for His direction.

Lie: “Money provides security and happiness.”

Truth: Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.  ––Ecclesiastes 5:10

Action: Money is not evil—the love of money is. Don’t make anything your god except God. All the money in the world won’t guarantee happiness.

Lie: “Good deeds earn God’s love.”

Truth: For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. ––Ephesians 2:8-9

Action: Our eternal position is clear: Christ plus nothing.

Lie: “If you are a faithful Christian, you will be happy.”

Truth: For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.  ––Romans 8:29

Action: God’s main goal for us is to be conformed to Christ’s image, because in so doing we become fervent worshippers and effective in spreading the Gospel. Happiness may be a by-product of this sanctification process, but so is refinement and discipline. “No pain, no gain” for those being conformed to His image.

Man of God, what lie is the enemy whispering in your ear today? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any deception that might be influencing you. Bathe yourself in His Word and seek the counsel of wise mentors. He is quick to answer and wants the very best for you!

Lord, left to my own devices I know I’m vulnerable to deception. My Your Holy Spirit guide me in my decisions today, and reveal the traps and lies the enemy wants to set for me and my loved ones.