Don't Buy Into The Lies - Soul Choice Ministries

Looking at the world events of the last two years, it’s clear to see we are living in an age of great deceit. Christians need to remain vigilant in their faith, spend time every day in God’s Word, pray for discernment, keep a clean conscience and be quick to repent of sin. We must be led by the Holy Spirit as never before. It would not be an overstatement to say that it could be a matter of life and death.

You might be thinking, “Come on Bill, a matter of life or death?” Yes, you heard me clearly. When you stay closely connected to God, He will warn you of danger and keep you from evil. A decision that could put you in harm’s way may be avoided just by stopping to inquire of the Lord. When seeking direction it is often the Holy Spirit at work when a sense of peace suddenly leaves your heart. Violence and crime have spiked dramatically. Being at the wrong place at the wrong time could lead to premature death. Many people have failed to pause and inquire of the Lord before making life-altering decisions in regard to their health, jobs, finances and families.

We must also be discerning with whom we choose to follow. Don’t be deceived by those who have influence, power or celebrity status. These people will use enticing words to sway even Christians with arguments that seem right. Colossians 2:4 says, “I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.” Believers should not be so quick to support any person or cause, even when accepted by the masses. Don’t be surprised when you witness prominent Christian leaders keeping company with people who have been openly opposed to God and the Bible. Do these leaders fear man rather than God? Are they trying to win the approval of the world, or of God? 1 Timothy 4:2 warns us about the ones who “speak lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” Trust your own instincts and rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit if something doesn’t appear right. This is how God warns us.

We must also ask ourselves, “Do I want people to see me as compassionate and loving, at the expense of violating God’s word? Am I afraid of offending anyone with the truth? Do I lean toward making people feel comfortable around me, even at the cost of compromising what I know the Bible teaches?” The enemy will tell you that you are not being a “good Christian” if you offend people with the truth. He will try to make you cowardly or ashamed of sharing the Gospel. The Bible calls Satan the Father of Lies. 2 Corinthians 11:14 says, “he comes as an angel of light.” Ephesians 6:12 reminds us we are at war with him: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

When you stand up for truth, be prepared to face resistance. You may also be looked down upon or ostracized. We know this because the Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:12, “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”

Jesus Himself said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”

But remember also that Psalm 27:1 says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.”

And Romans 8:31 says, “What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Do you recognize the lies being told today? Here are jus a few:

• Abortion is an act of “loving your neighbor as yourself”…this is a lie.

• People are born in the wrong body and assigned the wrong gender, so we must help them correct this mistake…this is a lie.

• Exposing even the youngest children to sexual preferences, sexual acts, nudity, and explicit written content makes them more aware and accepting of others choices…this is a lie.

• Socialism is compassionate and kind, and people are helped by its many benefits…this is a lie.

• Save the planet at any cost including the destruction of the economy, food supplies and individual freedoms…this is a lie.

These are just some of the lies people have embraced. This thinking is not compassionate. This thinking is not loving, and it is certainly not what the Bible teaches. These lies are all from the devil. The love and compassion people truly need is found in the pages of the Bible. Only this kind of compassion will bring the acceptance and inner peace people are longing. Romans 5:8 tells us, “God demonstrates His own love (and compassion) toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

God has shown great compassion for the entire human race by sending Jesus Christ to redeem us. This is the compassion that changes people’s lives and brings hope, and God’s compassion is revealed all throughout His Word:

Psalm 86:15, “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.”

God is compassionate towards the person who repents and turns from their sin (Luke 15:20)
God is compassionate towards His children (everyone is not God’s child).
God is compassionate towards little children (Matthew 19:13-14; Matthew 18:3).
God has compassion for the nation of Israel (Deuteronomy 30:3; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalm 78:38).
God is moved with compassion to heal the sick (Matthew 14:14; Mark 1:41; Luke 7:12-14).
God has compassion for the poor and hungry (Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:2).
God has compassion for those who call upon Him with a sincere heart.
God is compassionate on those who persevere under trials (James 5:11).

Know this too: God’s wrath is upon the sons of disobedience. His wrath abides on those who reject Him. He rebukes the hypocrite and calls those who practice sin liars. Jesus had harsh words for the religious hypocrites who were full of pride, deception, envy and wickedness. This same spirit of wickedness is found today in manypoliticians, media personalities, Hollywood actors, affluent people, and false Christians.

Let’s take the time to examine our lives and look at any decisions we have made out of fear, from believing false information, or with the wrong motive. Let’s decide in our hearts, with God’s grace, to make bold, faith-filled decisions. Let’s show others real love and compassion by not compromising the Bible or watering down the truth. It’s the Word of God that brings the healing, hope and change people desperately need today. We are equipped by the Holy Spirit to courageously speak the truth in love. Let’s choose to fear God rather than man.