Christian Pitfalls: Deception

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

Proverbs 10:9 (ESV)

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.

Proverbs 11:3 (ESV)

Deception is TRULY tricky business. On one Hand (God’s), He despises liars.

  • 'Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord' (Proverbs 12:22), and…

Habitual liars WILL be punished:

  • 'No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house' (Psalm 101:7), and…

Deceptions WILL be publicly revealed:

  • 'For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known' (Luke 12:2), and…

Justice WILL come and wrongs WILL be righted:

  • 'Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord' (Romans 12:19), but…

Didn’t some of God’s most well-known heroes take uncommon liberty with the truth?

  • Abraham labeled Sarah, ‘My sister' (Genesis 20:2), which was partly true, but not the whole truth.

  • At one point, David 'Acted insanely' (1 Samuel 21:13). He wasn’t, but his ruse furthered God’s plan.

  • Paul said, 'I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some' (1 Corinthians 19:22), (aka, ACTING)!

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Unless the Lord Personally sends you on an undercover mission (as with the 12 men who spied out Canaan)….

Be wholly truthful!

If you do slip up and deceive someone, (like David in the Bathsheba affair, or Jacob to get his father’s blessing)... expect punishment. Nevertheless, repent and make amends, and don’t let lying become a practice!

Instead…

Practice walking and speaking gentle truth--no matter what “everybody else” does. Because you are serving 'The God of truth' (Isaiah 65:6), and, without fail, 'The truth will set you free' (John 8:32), and, God willing, everyone it touches.

Christian Pitfalls: Deception (Part 29)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

Carey Arban