Life as a believer in Christ can feel like being caught in
the waves of the ocean. Sometimes, we’re tossed around by circumstances,
emotions, or even spiritual battles. For new believers, this is natural—like
newborn babies learning to walk, we’re growing in our faith and understanding.
There’s no shame in this process, and no one is to blame for it.
However, the Bible gives us a clear warning: “Do not
be deceived” (Galatians 6:7 NKJV). As believers, we must be vigilant
against the traps of the enemy, who seeks to twist God’s Word and lead us
astray. But when we stay rooted in Scripture and grow in our understanding, we
can navigate life’s waves with wisdom and confidence.
The Danger of Deception
Jesus warned us that “a man’s enemies will be those
of his own household” (Matthew 10:36 NKJV). This isn’t just about
physical family—it’s about the spiritual battles we face. The deceiver, Satan,
doesn’t always attack us with obvious lies or false religions. Often, he uses
subtle distortions of God’s Word to lead us astray.
For example, in the Garden of Eden, Satan didn’t outright
deny God’s command. Instead, he twisted it. Eve added to God’s words,
saying, “You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die” (Genesis
3:3 NKJV). But God had only said, “Of every tree of the garden you may
freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not
eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis
2:16-17 NKJV).
Where did the extra part—“nor shall you touch it”—come
from? It was a subtle addition, a distortion of God’s truth. This is how the
enemy works. He takes God’s Word, twists it slightly, and mixes it with worldly
ideas to create confusion and deception.
The Temporary Satisfaction of Deception
The enemy’s lies often come with a temporary sense of
satisfaction. He makes sin feel comfortable, even appealing, by wrapping it in
half-truths or worldly wisdom. For example:
- He
might tell you that God wants you to be happy, so it’s okay to ignore His
commands.
- He
might twist Scripture to justify selfishness, pride, or compromise.
- He
might use feelings or emotions to convince you that you’re on the right
path, even when it contradicts God’s Word.
But this satisfaction is fleeting. It leads to spiritual
emptiness, confusion, and ultimately, separation from God’s best for our lives.
Growing in Understanding and Wisdom
The key to overcoming deception is to grow in our
understanding of God’s Word. This doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a lifelong
journey of studying Scripture, spending time in prayer, and fellowshipping with
other believers.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” —
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the more we’ll
recognize His voice and discern the enemy’s lies. Here are a few practical
steps to grow in understanding:
- Study
Scripture Daily: Make time to read and meditate on the Bible every
day.
- Pray
for Discernment: Ask God to open your eyes to His truth and protect
you from deception.
- Seek
Godly Counsel: Surround yourself with mature believers who can help
you interpret Scripture accurately.
- Test
Everything: Compare what you hear—whether from sermons, books, or
people—with the Bible.
Dealing with Life Wisely
The Bible warns, “In the multitude of words sin is
not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19
NKJV). In a world filled with noise, opinions, and distractions, we must be
careful not to let everything flow unchecked into our lives.
Wisdom means being intentional about what we listen to, what
we say, and how we live. It means filtering everything through the lens of
Scripture and seeking God’s guidance in every decision.
A Message of Encouragement
If you’ve been caught in the waves of life—whether through
deception, confusion, or simply the challenges of growing in faith—take heart.
God is with you, and His Word is your anchor.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in
vain in the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV)
Stay rooted in Scripture, grow in wisdom, and trust God to
guide you through every storm.
Call-to-Action
Have you ever faced a situation where you felt deceived or
confused by a twisted version of God’s Word? How did you overcome it? Share
your story in the comments below to encourage others! Let’s build a community
of believers who stand firm in God’s truth and support one another in the
journey of faith.
Remember, the waves of life may come, but God’s Word is your
anchor. Stay rooted, stay wise, and keep moving forward in His truth.
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