Liar, Liar

As we attempt to live in the Spirit there will be opposition. Many people think that becoming a Christian ends their problems, but when the enemy looses a team member the battle really begins. Satan will use every strategy he can to disillusion, defeat and destroy our efforts to live the Christian life.

Jesus revealed Satan's key tactic as he was talking to the Pharisees in John 8. Jesus said to them about Satan, "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." A little understanding of the Greek helps to identify Satan's activity. In the Greek the use of "the" as a definite article would render the statement: "When he speaks the lie..." There is a lie that Satan wants each of us to believe. And many in the world have believed it. It has kept them from Christ. Christians as well are often derailed by accepting Satan's lie and are rendered ineffective.

The exact content of this lie is seen in Romans 1. Paul is discussing the nature of those who have "suppressed the truth." Among other things Paul describes them as having "exchanged the truth of God for the lie." Then the exact nature of that lie is declared. It is to "worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator." We know of many peoples who worship the creature or creation. Some worship the sun, moon and stars. Others worship rocks and trees. But the creature most of us are guilt of worshiping is self. The lie of Satan is that we can exalt our selves above the Creator.

This lie appeals to our pride. Our enemy knows that we relish being in control. However, scripture indicates that God's blessing is on the humble. God gives grace to the humble. Let's reject the Liar and accept the Truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man comes unto the Father but by me." Let Jesus into your life and let Him be in control of your life. Then we will enjoy victory over the enemy and the problems he would bring into our lives.