Galatians 6:6-7  – “Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.  ⁷ Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.”

Yesterday, through the night, and this morning, the Holy Spirit has been impressing upon my heart the danger, destruction, and prevalence of deception.   It is not just a world thing, but it is rampant in the church and among believers.

Galatians 6:6-7 issues a stern warning against becoming prey to deception.  It is an effective tactic of the snake and has been for eons.

Deception’s root is the devil, and deception is sin.  Being deceived is possible ONLY if we allow the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life to prevail.   It is super subtle.   It cloaks itself in benevolence and adopts what we desire to be true as accurate.  It listens to voices that appeal to our flesh, deceiving us into thinking it is a word from God.

We dream of what we would do “if only.”    God needs no “if only.” He is the eternal creator God.   He needs no external stimuli or vehicle; He is God!

Deception is like a cancer or leaven.   It begins small, in one outlying area, and permeates the entire consciousness.  Our light becomes darkness through deception.  Ultimately, it will cost the soul if not recognized, rejected, and repented of.   It aligns itself with voices that promote hearsay, heresy, half-truths, and outright lies.   When a lie is exposed, the deceived heart justifies it as a simple mistake, not the diabolical fraud and purpose behind it.

Deception is deadly.  It has consequences.    There are numerous consequences of Deception listed in the Bible:

• Eternal punishment: Revelation 21:8 says that liars will be punished in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone.
• Loss of the soul: Proverbs 21:6 says that a lying tongue is a characteristic of those who seek death.  2 Thessalonians 2:12 teaches that believing a lie can cost men their souls.
• God’s hatred: Proverbs 6:16 says that the Lord hates a lying tongue.
• Dishonor: Proverbs 12:22 says that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord.
• False witness: Proverbs 19:5 says that a false witness will not go unpunished.

How do we avoid deception?  

• Know the Bible.
• Pray for wisdom and discernment.
• Avoid believing empty words.
• Avoid living a double life.
• Avoid excluding facts that could change a judgment.
• Avoid altering facts to fit a narrative.
• Avoid fabricating information.

I’m diving into this because I want to avoid and have a defense against deception for myself and others.   The deceived cannot see the deception and often are unconvinced of the truth because it feeds their flesh.  They believe they are just in what they embrace and even insist it is a promise from God.

Anything that depends on man to fulfill is to be viewed with a measure of skepticism.   My God shall supply ALL your needs according to His riches in glory.  God demands 100% of us and desires our total reliance on Him.  I live with no sense of lack because He is my Supply! 

You shall know the truth, and the truth (that you know and embrace) will make you free.  Truth has to be known, acknowledged, and embraced to liberate.  The devil knows the truth but is not free!

May all your “if onlys” become, “God is.”