How many reading this have heard the phrase, “The devil is a liar.” It’s not just something said in jest; it is the truth revealed by Jesus to the Pharisees in the Book of John. The devil is the originator of deceit and lies–a thief. The Bible also elaborates that the ‘flesh,’ humanity’s sinful nature, is the enemy of God (see Romans 8:3). The inner character and motivations of a man, or the ‘heart of a man,’ reveals the untrustworthy desires of a person (see Jeremiah 17:9). God alone is Truth. Many still do not want to hear the truth and remain deceived as to who is really their father by denying the God of Truth, submitting to Him, and believing in the salvation He offers for their souls to live in eternity.
PRIDE AND ITS FALL
Pride has been present in our societies since the fall of man and is very evident in our culture today in more ways than one. I am not talking about a healthy dose of pride for accomplishing something or rejoicing over an event. I am referring to that state of insolence, such as having an unreasonable, ostentatious belief in one’s self-importance and having contempt for others who disagree with them. Such a spirit of desire being raised up and perceived as “truth” will only cause the one under its deception to be laid low or humiliated.
HUMILITY BRINGS HONOR
Humility, on the other hand, conditions the spirit of a man to understand truth. A man under pride will never digress from his perception of a situation; however, a man operating in humility understands he must discipline himself to align his spirit with the spirit of Truth. What is truth? Every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (see Matthew 4:4). Jesus even told Pilate this in John 18 verse 37, before he asked, “What is truth?” (See John 18:37-38)
“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.”
John 18:37-38 (KJV)
THE ENEMY WITHIN
When a person takes part in a crime, they have become their own worst enemy. So, who is their father again? Yep, not the Lord, but the one they are in league with. Again, none of us are perfect, but a righteous man will repent of his guilt and get up again when they’ve messed up. However, an unrighteous man will connive, lie, and actively pursue avenues to cover up the crime, even resorting to anarchy to avoid the truth. This type of what I’ll call “possession” blinds the host from reality, let alone seeing that their actions are beyond human reasoning and do not line up with anything other than the deceiver.
TRUTH ALLUDES THE LIAR
While under this influence, a person will do whatever it takes to avoid paying the penalty for their deception. Even under extreme threat and placed under oath, to tell the truth, they refuse. The curse is upon them, and they are compelled to protect their lies because of the spirit they serve. So, they participated in the lie, but because of the lie, they concealed the lie. Self-preservation is a contributing motivation instead of revealing the truth, repenting, serving the penalty, and living in freedom from deceit.
DON’T FALL FOR THE TRAP
Fear and anxiety can cause people to do strange things. Fear of what people will think is a strong motivator for bad behavior. We can all relate when it comes to lying or deception, i.e., telling only half-truths. Even Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister. However, when deception brings debilitating fear, another level of the curse arises if it is not dealt with. It sets in motion a level of difficulty which has torment and temptation associated with it. Many sins can become options through the lens of fear. When people fear man more than God’s justice, they are entrapped by the deceivers’ snare and are destroyed.
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 (KJV)
TRUST IN THE LORD – Refuse a Thief
We began with pride and humility. Suppose someone exalts themselves or ideas by bloviating and making themselves appear more important than they are. In that case, they’ll eventually be exposed for their deception and, as the Lord puts it, “shall be abased.” However, if people humble themselves, honor will come upon them.
Next, the enemy within can bring guilt if we partner with the thief, and our ears will not receive the truth. Peter even partnered with the adversary by not agreeing with the truth that Jesus revealed about events that would unfold. Three times, he disagreed and looked at the events to come from a human, sinful nature. Peter was unable to receive the truth that Jesus would suffer and die and rise on the third day. Jesus did not sway from what the Father had revealed to Him (see Matthew 16:21-24) because He can only speak Truth. To make truth foremost in our thoughts, we must delight in the Word day and night to know what the Lord says about a thing. Those who don’t partner with the Lord, do not receive the Holy Spirit, hasten destruction willfully, and hate their own souls.
Finally, we should not be slaves to fear, especially regarding man. Our duty as Kingdom citizens is to emulate our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died so that those who believe in Him, even if they must serve a sentence here in the physical, would be made righteous through HIS sacrifice. Their rebirth in the Spirit would save them from the second death: no life with the Lord in Spirit. When we put our full faith and trust in the Lord for protection, supply, and salvation, and partner with His instructions, we shall escape the snare and be delivered into His glorious light. If God be for me, who can come against me!
Feature Image: Book with gold GENAI Text to Image; Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION of the Bible.
