Plausible Lies

Background Photo Credit – Kim Clayton Lance

Psalm 37:1 “Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.”

I am generally not shocked by lies unless they come from within the tried and tested Christian community. Still evil. Never mind. I am not shocked.

I look in the mirror. I can’t throw the first stone, I wouldn’t even think of trying to throw the first stone. I have spun facts and omitted truths ever since I was old enough to try to manipulate authority to believe that I am not guilty. The biggest lies are the ones we say to ourselves when we look in the mirror. And then we presume to help others in their struggles to have the mind of Christ? But our own plausible lies are still hanging out there in the way.

But, when we absorb God’s Word to a healthy saturation, we can be better at detecting deception – especially self-deception. You would hope. I saw a post from “God’s Word (FB)” today (6-25-16) that said, “Fill your mind with God’s Word and you will have no room for Satan’s lies.” Of course, I gave this my usual “thumbs up,” and then remembered something else that I read today from Paul David Tripp’s book INSTRUMENTS IN THE REDEEMER’S HANDS…

Tripp pointed out that there is often a disconnect between our interpretation of circumstances and our response to circumstances. As God’s ambassadors, this is especially problematic. Especially if we are trying to help others to confront unhealthy things in their lives before we confront unhealthy things in our own lives. Often, our response is to self-excuse or self-atone ourselves, even as well-seasoned believers, thereby disqualifying ourselves from confronting others through graciously speaking the truth in love.

There is always this door of decision. There is always the radar of God’s Word for exposing deception. A Garden of Eden moment. Be very aware of the plausible lie. The lie that starts out with something true and good, and then gets a big perverted twist. Be very aware of how a lie gains power by flying largely undetected. Flying under the radar. Spinning and spinning and spinning and spinning…

Here is the truth. I Peter 3:8-17 “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble…Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech…Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have…It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.”

Be prepared. Examine your own heart. Look for the plausible lies. Wrench away from plausible lies through God’s enabling power. Don’t be like the grass that withers away either. Don’t be shocked by evil; be sober. Let God prepare you to be an effective ambassador. There is always a door of decision. There is always the radar of God’s Word. Soak in it with a heart of repentance.

And do not fret.