Today’s Scripture: Genesis 3:4-6, John 8:44
Jesus described the devil like this: “[Satan] was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth for there is no truth in him. When he lies he speaks his native language for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). It makes me shudder to think that the devil speaks lies as fluently as I speak English. We can’t believe anything this trickster says!
Why, then, are some people easily deceived? How could Eve so readily reject what she knew was the truth and embrace a lie? It’s called neutralization—when something is rendered ineffective or harmless by applying an opposite force or effect.
Take another look at Genesis 3:4-6. Satan initiated the subject of Eve’s eyes being opened. By simply planting a thought in her mind, her vision changed—before she even touched the fruit. She saw the tree in a different light. Where before Adam and Eve were mindful of an invisible caution sign telling them to stay away, now all threat of danger was neutralized, thanks to the serpent’s smooth tongue. The fruit that had been untouchable suddenly became appealing. Not only did Eve’s physical body crave the fruit. She experienced a desire for a wisdom she had not yet tasted. Eve bought into the devil’s unholy rationalization, and her reach for the forbidden became man’s demise.
- What “caution” signs that the Lord established in your life have been neutralized by the devil’s rationalization? What can you do to reactive them?
- How easy/difficult is it for you to recognize Satan’s lies? Once you recognize his deception, what is your first plan of action?
A few years ago when I was in a depression, I had started going out with co-worker to sports bars after work and on weekend nights to talk about our issues over drinks, which was abnormal because I’m not a drinker. I noticed then that after stressful day at work and in my personal if I had some alcohol I would sleep better. But the wisdom given by his spirit through mercy and RELIABLE CHRISTIAN FRIENDS to council me the didn’t become a crippling crutch.
As far as the degrees of difficulty in being a lie-detector? (lol) it depends on where you are. Lies that are hard to discern can usually (but not always) be our own blame. The devil has an open door if we have issues we think are bigger than god, or we have issues we try to hide from god. The more honest we are with God, the brighter the truth of revealing light will shine.