Deception

There is a common theme in both the Old Testament and New Testament readings today. That theme is 'deception.' Jeremiah goes to great lengths to expose false prophets. In the beginning part of today's OT reading we find the defining characteristics for legitimate prophecy: "If they had stood before Me [God] and listened to Me, they would have spoken My words, and they would have turned My people from their evil ways and deeds." To break it down further, true prophets would 1.) speak God's words, and 2.) bring about change in people. Simple, really.

Paul likewise warns of the 'man of lawlessness' in 2 Thessalonians today. In 2.10 Pauls states, "He will use every kind of evil deception to fool those on their way to destruction, because they refuse to love and accept the truth that would save them."

Deception is something we must acknowledge as real. Deception is something we must actively seek to avoid in our lives. Deception is, without equal, the primary weapon utilized against all that is good.

We will do quite well to take 'anti-deception' measures every day of our lives. How do we 'weigh' ourselves to see whether or not we are deceived?

1. Stay true to the Word of God. This does not mean we cannot study or enjoy other literature. But what is does mean is that we must not allow anything extra-biblical to persuade our beliefs in contradiction of that which is true Scripture.
2. Affect Godly change in those around us. Is what we believe real enough for others to live on as well? Is what be believe solid enough for others to stand on for eternity? Quite frankly, this is possibly the most difficult realization: If our lives are not changing others, then they are being changed by others (the important question then is, 'who' is changing us?).

God help us avoid deception. Help us help each other avoid deception. Help us seek the Truth.