As a young mother, I traveled the road called 'gullible.' Time and again I fell for harmless jokes by our kids. Often my husband and friends enjoyed getting in on the jokes.
If the kids needed a good laugh, they always knew to come to mom with their pranks. They also knew how to stretch the truth just enough to make it sound like the whole truth and draw me in, (hook, line and sinker,) I might add!
One would think after years of such trickery I would learn! Dad, on the other hand, was not easily deceived. He became wise to the kids’ antics very quickly…which took the fun out of their pranks. Of course, they learned from the best…right dad? I’m happy to say that I eventually caught on to them and learned to question some of their tales. I also learned to consider the source. In case you’re wondering, I did teach them the consequences of crying wolf too many times even though they did these things all in the name of fun.
I’m attending a Bible study class once a week. Today we discussed how the Christian could easily be deceived and what to do to prevent it.
Satan uses partial truths and lies to deceive. In subtle ways he causes doubt and questions to arise in our minds. Just as he did Eve when he questioned her, “Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” Genesis 3: 1. Notice, he immediately causes a question in Eve’s mind by emphasizing the word, ‘every.’ Satan then blatantly disputes the reply to his question. “Ye shall not surely die.” He continues to tell her that she will be as wise as God and hints that God is ‘withholding something good from her.
What are some things we can do to prevent deception either directly from Satan, or from false teachings? First of all, we need to ask God to reveal his word and truth to us. Then we need to search the scriptures. 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. KJV Finally, ask for Godly Wisdom and revelation of his word and truth.
If we know the word, meditate on it daily, hide it deep in our hearts, when we hear misinterpreted scriptures, we’ll immediately know. The Holy Spirit brings the scriptures to our remembrance, but if we have not taken the time to study and learn the word, there’s nothing for the Spirit to bring to mind. Furthermore, we become spiritually starved.
Finally, don’t follow the road of ‘Gullible’s Travels.’ Study, pray and get to know Jesus in a personal way. Then when Satan knocks on your door with deception, you can do as Jesus did…boldly proclaim, “It is written!”
© 2006 Marie Williams
