We face deceptions daily, whether it is used as a selling point or something we were taught in schools. So many things are being fed to us, through the movies, news and even music. It is sometimes hard to distinguish the truth, especially when wrapped around lies. The enemy is the master of this.
The most powerful tool of the enemy is deception; he even tried to deceive Jesus. This shows that we are not above his attempt at deception regardless of who we are.
One crucial thing to note is that he uses even the word of God to deceive humankind. He did it with Jesus, and it's still being done among us. To overcome the enemy's deception, we must know how he operates. This knowledge is acquired through the word of God.
Truth wrapped around lies
From the beginning, the enemy has always twisted the word of God for his benefit. In the garden of Eden, he didn't clearly say God was lying; instead, he caused Eve to question God's instruction (Genesis 3: 1-6). This created doubt that resulted in the first sin. When he tempted Jesus, he used the word of God out of context (Matthew 4: 1-11).
This is still done today; people quickly point out that God is love, especially to defend their lifestyles or things they support. This is one of the deceptions of the enemy.
Yes, indeed, God is love, and he wants what is best for us. However, what we deem best might not be the same for God. The bible reminds us not to be deceived; it doesn't matter how much the enemy attempts to twist the word of God; the truth still stands.
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor [b]sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
The scripture also reminds us that "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)
Always remember God wants what is best for us. The ultimate goal of the enemy's deception is to destroy us; he wants to kill our faith, destroy our hope and steal our joy. The scripture reminds us of the importance of these three variables.
Faith: Without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)
Hope: Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God." (Psalm 146:5)
Joy: “for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (Nehemiah 8b: 10)
Walking in his will
Living in our current world is relatively difficult; they expect us to be "politically correct," and different things are being taught in school to bring about "awareness" that is contrary to the gospel of Christ.
We must ensure our kids grow in the knowledge of God and ask him to lead us daily. He has given us his word, which doesn't lie, and if we abide in it and walk in obedience, we will be able to overcome the wiles of the enemy. When we pray, let us ask God to remove all preconceptions we have about him and what he expects of us if it's not in line with his will.
Remember our focus should be on God "For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Latanya Fraser Cato is an elementary school teacher who enjoys reading and writing poetry. She is currently a Sunday school teacher at her church in Japan and has served on various youth-related ministries both in church and school in her home country Jamaica. She has a passion for counseling and helping others. She has published a book of poems entitled Soul’s Inspiration which she hopes will assist individuals facing various challenges..