We live in world full of deceit. It is all around us. It is on every side because evil uses all sides to pit us against each other. Evil especially enjoys deceiving Christians. It is easy for evil to do so if we aren’t in God’s Word and doing our research. The world is one large narrative, but as believers we are not to be in that narrative. We are to be truth seekers and speakers.
God knew that evil would work hard to deceive us, and we are shown multiple instances in the Bible where people were deceived. The word deceived occurs 32 times in 31 verses in the NKJV. – (BlueLetterBible.org)
How do we keep from being deceived?
As believers in Christ we must be in the Word. We must be looking for truth and not just listening to what the world is telling us. This means listening to messages and comparing the information to what the Bible says. We need to be asking the Holy Spirit to guide us. We need to be asking God for wisdom. Just going with the flow, in this day and age, is not an option if we want to know truth. We should be vetting everything. The only information we do not need to be vetting is the Bible.
Does not the ear test words And the mouth taste its food?
[Job 12:11 NKJV]
There is an abundance of information on the Internet, and other sources, today. Technology is everywhere. Technology has become an idol for some. It is the only place they go to get information. According to Forbes, the “Average daily time spent consuming content is now six hours and 59 minutes, which includes phone, TV, and other forms of digital media.” (Forbes, 2020) A large part of this is because 2020 became the year where the world stayed home.
“Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods and worship them,
[Deu 11:16 NKJV]
Technology platforms and users provide the information, but in these dark days, these last days, in Christ believers need to be diligent in vetting everything we see and hear. We need to be steadfast in the Lord so we do not sway.
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.
[2Ti 3:13 NKJV]
God tells us in His Word, through the apostles Matthew and Mark, that, if it were possible, even the elect would be deceived. [Mat 24:24 NKJV] [Mar 13:22 NKJV]
Remain in God’s Word and be diligent in study. Impress it upon your hearts. Use God’s armor to thwart evil and deceit.
Dear Jesus:
Thank you, Lord, that your are truth and that if we ask for wisdom you will give it to us. There is so much in this world right now that pulls us away from truth. It is easy to get caught up in the deceit that is all around us. Lord, give us your firm foundation through your Word. Help us know truth from lies. Give us the opportunity to share your truth with others who may be deceived yet want to know truth. Help us be loving but always for You. Help us remember to pray, rather than getting frustrated or angry, for those who we see are deceived. Thank you, Jesus, for all you do. You are our guide and light in this dark world.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer Day 11: Love