So here’s a cheerful thought for you this morning: You have an enemy, and he is a liar.
I know. It’s not exactly the most upbeat declaration. But it’s the truth. And what we don’t always realize is how much the lies of the enemy inform and affect our decisions.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say that every poor choice we make is rooted in one of the enemy’s lies. He dangles a counterfeit “truth” in front of us, and we grab for that thing just like it can rescue us.
Here are some examples.
- The enemy tells us that what Christ did for us on the cross isn’t enough, so we buy into the lie that we have to be perfect (and create an elaborate façade so it looks like we are).
- The enemy tells us our worth is based on how we look, so we micromanage our eating and exercise to the point of unhealthy obsession.
- The enemy tells us we need the attention of a guy to define us, so we compromise our hearts and our bodies to try to hold on to someone who shows interest.
- The enemy tells us people can’t be trusted, so we sabotage relationships before someone has the opportunity to hurt us.
We could go on and on.
The biggest mistakes of my life have been because I not only believed the enemy’s lies, but I also acted on them. In situations where I could have run toward the light of Christ and His promises, I chose to operate out of fear. I heeded the enemy’s insistence that the Lord would not come through for me, that my circumstances would overwhelm me, and that my disobedience and compromise wouldn’t matter as long as other people didn’t find out.
Lies, lies, lies.
The harsh reality is that believing the enemy’s lies can lead us into all sorts of bondage. And no matter what form that bondage takes—drug addiction or cutting or bulimia or sexual immorality or countless other things—getting free from it can be a long and treacherous process. That’s why it’s critical for us to remember that our freedom is in the Truth. God’s Word will never steer us in the wrong direction, and it will never push us toward regret or humiliation or shame. It is always a sure and steady compass.
And when you are tempted to listen to the subtle, deceptive voice of the enemy, consider Isaiah 54:17: “No weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed, and you shall refute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, declares the Lord” (esv). If you belong to the Lord, you have authority in the name of Jesus to rebuke and resist the enemy’s lies. Tell him to BACK OFF in the strong name of Jesus. Replace his lies with the Truth of Scripture.
Walk in freedom today.
1. Is there any particular lie that you find yourself battling over and over again?
2. What have been the consequences of that lie in your life? Has it robbed you of confidence? Influenced some decisions? Resulted in some regret? Explain.
3. Fill in the blanks as they apply to your personal struggle(s):
The enemy says I am ______________________________________________.
The Lord says I am _____________________________________________.
4. John 10:10 reveals that the enemy has three primary purposes. What are they? How does this verse reinforce the fact that he is not to be trusted?
Today’s Prayer