In a few instances, New Testament passages speak of people who delude themselves or are deluded by others. Paul was worried about the Colossians being deluded by a persuasive argument made by false teachers (Col. 2:4). He had warned Rome about those who deceive the unsuspecting (Rom. 16:18). Then, Paul talks about those whose hearts are hardened by sin who God allows to be deluded so that they believe what is false (2 Th. 2:11). While his immediate concern is the man of lawlessness discussed in context, how needed are his words in our current climate? Sadly, so many today like those of every generation, believe the lies told by those in places of influence or who possess a resonating voice in the culture. What are some lies people believe?
- Evolution is a flawless theory and creation the simpleton’s choice.
- Money equals happiness and poverty equals misery.
- An affair is fun and exciting and marital faithfulness is boring and unfulfilling.
- Since there are so many more people in religion who reject baptism as essential and embrace instrumental music in worship, “they” must be right and “we” must be wrong.
- You are only young once, so live life to the fullest and be willing to try anything once.
- Honesty does not pay.
- Children should be allowed to make their choices without interference from their parents, even concerning how involved in the church they should be.
- If I am not happy, I should be allowed to do whatever it takes to be happy.
- It is my life and I will do as I please (or, “It’s all about me!”).
- Everybody’s doing “it” (substitute any number of things for “it”).
- Christians are delusional, sheltered, and the most judgmental, intolerant people on earth.
There are many more, but these are some with which you should be familiar. So, how do we keep from believing a lie? We must know the truth, and we can know it (John 8:32). We must believe the truth (Eph. 1:13). We must obey the truth (cf. Gal. 5:7). The only antidote known for such lies is the truth. Let us stick with that, and we will build immunity from some very deadly and deceiving philosophies out there.
–Neal Pollard