It seems these days the standard practice of the media is to deceive. It takes a discerning mind to separate the “fake news” from the truth.
Politicians engage in Twitter wars where truth is often a casualty. In fact, it seems politician’s default communication is deception, if not outright lies.
But business people, don’t be smug. Just Google “Volkswagen scandal.” Then read about how Volkswagen executives knowing developed and installed software in the engines of their diesel cars to fool the US Environmental Protection Agency into thinking their emission met US standards. In fact, their emissions were 40 times higher than US standards allow!
It seems whatever sphere of life you consider there are those who weave tangled webs as they practice to deceive.
Unfortunately, mankind has a propensity to deceive and to lie. The first example came in Genesis 3 when the serpent deceived Eve. It was a lie that caused the fall of mankind.
All through the scripture are warnings against being taken in by deceivers. King David felt so surrounded by liars; he wrote:
“Everyone lies to his neighbor; their flattering lips speak with deception” Psalm 12:2.
How Can We Tell Truth Amidst Those Who Deceive?
1) Does what they are saying align with God’s Word?
Both Paul (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22) and John (1 John 4:1) warn Christians to test what they hear against the Word of God. Anything that is in opposition to God’s Word is a lie.
2) Pray for discernment.
James writes that God will give us wisdom if we ask in faith.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” James 1:5.
3) Verify. Get the facts.
You must research what people say to verify the truth. Luke, writing in Acts commended the Bereans because they searched the Scripture to see if what they heard was true.
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” Acts 17:11.
4) Ask yes or no questions.
If you are lucky enough to be with the person rather than reading a news report or listen to a reporter, ask questions. If someone is unwilling to answer yes or no questions directly, they are likely attempting to deceive or lie outright. Jesus said,
“Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” Matthew 5:37.
The sad truth is mankind has suffered from deceivers and liars since Satan deceived Eve. To this day, we are, as David said, surrounded by them. The best way to protect ourselves is to check with Scripture, pray for discernment, and do some of our own research to verify facts.
Article on Deception
Here’s another article on deception from the life of Jacob that you might find helpful.
#318: When First We Practice To Deceive
Join the Conversation
Have you been deceived by someone you trusted? If so, what happened? What do you do to protect yourself from being deceived?
[thrive_text_block color=”note” headline=”Aside for the writers and history buffs….Often attributed to Shakespeare, the line “What a tangled web we weave…when first we practice to deceive” was actually written by Walter Scott and published in 1808.”] [/thrive_text_block]
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Category: Personal Development | Discernment
It’s often amusing (sadly) to watch candidates obfuscate, tap-dance, deflect and do everything BUT answer a simple question. And how refreshing when one does say “Yes” or “No” or some other definitive answer. In my job as police chief I work with local politicians so I appreciate how delicate it can be, finding solutions where there are strong, opposing sides. Seeking facts and at the truth is important. But often one faces opposing “goods.” Such as “Yes” stadium lighting would improve the quality of our high school games and allow for more events and community spirit, BUT the ambient light and noise will drive adjacent homeowners crazy. From there one eases into the waters of “compromise.” In the end, there is much truth to the saying “The truth shall set you free.” It may not make your life easier in the short run, but it will where it matters most, your conscience and soul.
John,
So true…the truth is sometimes harder in the short run but always the better choice over time. I don’t envy you having to be in the middle between politicians and constituents! Maybe that’s where the phrase about the rock and the hard place came from!