Deceit
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“A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land: The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way” (Jeremiah 5:30, 31).
Today, as in Jeremiah’s day, we are bombarded with lies and surrounded by deceit. Unfortunately, we too sometimes decide we like it that way. The truth reveals our sinfulness. At times we would rather have people lie to us than have our mistakes, failures and willful disobedience exposed. Facing the truth would mean we’d have to change our actions, accept responsibility, humble ourselves and repent.
Over and over Jeremiah points out this error:
“But look, you are trusting in deceptive words that are worthless”(Jeremiah 7:8).
“They cling to deceit; they refuse to return” (Jeremiah 8:5).
“Friend deceives friend, and no one speaks the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they weary themselves with sinning” (Jeremiah 9:5).
Some of the lies the world promotes are subtle, whereas others are blatant. Things like:
- The worth of a human being can be measured by their beauty, their abilities or their wealth.
- Truth is relative.
- You’ve got to look out for number one.
- What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.
- It’s okay as long as I don’t get caught.
- If you buy these clothes you will have friends.
- If you live in this neighborhood you will be content.
- Leaving an unfulfilling marriage will make you happy.
Let us heed Jeremiah’s warnings, acknowledge that we have believed lies, repent of our sin and return to God’s ways.
Holy God, You alone are the One whom I need. I have believed lies. I acknowledge that I have done wrong and need Your forgiveness. It is frightening to be exposed by the truth. Help me to trust that You will not leave me. Amen.
Questions: Why do we like to believe lies? What deceptive words have proved worthless to you?
About the Author Suzanne Benner
Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Believe and Be Saved, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog
Gwen, You are so right about Satan. People focus on who to place blame for the situation in the garden rather then realizing that Satan was there to destroy just like today.
Katelynn, you really take me back. You are so right, the lies and deceit began in the Garden of Eden. Many people read about Adam and Eve and spend more time talking about who’s fault it was, instead of getting the real message. I believe the message is that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. Most people don’t realize that he is trying to steal, kill and destroy your mind. If he can take your mind and influence your thoughts, then he has your soul.
Ditto Gwen… I wish writing was my gift; there is sooo much to say about “deceit” it is a book in itself!
“The ways of the world!” There are many, and the deciet that blinds secularists and Christians is staggering. Just because something works, does that make it biblically true? Or acceptable in God’s eyes?
Do we REALLY believe in John 14:6? If so, than we MUST confess that ALL other ways are in error!!! This includes the deceit of psychology and psychiatry. Their origin can best be seen in the Garden of Eden, where satan attacked Eve.
This is so timely. Lies and deceit has become the way of the world. But what do you do when everyone around you are using ‘lies and deceit’ as a strategy ‘mapping method’ to success? You have group thinkers who have made it a science to back each other up in these lies and deceptions. I ask God to help us all to see that this road only leads to destruction, no matter how good it feels or look on the front end.