Deception
“A lie goes halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get it’s pants on.”
Winston Churchill
Churchill’s words are a lighthearted way of acknowledging a sobering biblical truth. “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him” (Revelation 12:9). Satan’s deception began with Adam and Eve and from then until now it has covered the whole world. His deception shrouds the earth in spiritual darkness. There is nothing lighthearted about this reality when we see its effects in a world on the brink of self-annihilation.
Satan’s deceptions come in many forms, but always with the same intention. While speaking to the Pharisees, Christ said, “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:43–44). The Pharisees could not understand the truth Christ spoke to them because of Satan’s deception. And the point of his deception is always death, whether physically or spiritually.
Comprehending the gravity of deceit, Solomon said, “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit” (Proverbs 14:7–8). Solomon’s words are intended to sharpen us – to make us alert to those around us. No one has a sign on them saying “foolish person.” The wise must learn to be perceptive of what is really being said by those around them. Body language, flattery and mood all must be considered along with the actual communication. The wise, knowing that they could be deceived, seek to understand or perceive their own thoughts and words as well.
We need to be wary of empty words – words that do not reflect the truth we have come to know from God’s Word. “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore, do not be partakers with them” (Ephesians 5:6–7). The Apostle Paul is referencing fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, coarse jesting and foolish talking concerning the deception of empty words. Living in our modern debased culture, such things are lightly spoken of by many. The fact is that continual exposure to such deceit could weaken our faith in the truth and derail us spiritually. So, we must be sharp, alert, perceptive and wary.
We cannot afford to take anything for granted. Referring to the parable of the rich fool, Christ said, “And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.’” But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’” (Luke 12:19–20). There is a certain deceit that can enter into any aspect of our lives. A lack of urgency over our spiritual well-being is a grievous deceit. Not one of us has a single clue when our physical life might come to an end. If we are to be found wisely doing God’s will when our end does come, we must be sharp, alert, perceptive and wary of all deceit.
There is nothing light-hearted about deceit!
Marshall Stiver
