The game was called “How Well Do You Know Me?” We sat around the kitchen island at my sister-in-law’s house and scribbled three sentences on a piece of paper. Two statements were true, but one was a lie.
This is not the best game to play when you are trying to fool your family. No one knows you better than your siblings. I mean, you’ve shared a bunk bed and bathroom, and you’ve been finishing each other’s sentences since you were three years old. Your sister has heard all your crazy stories a million times. She’s cheered you on from the sidelines at every game, and she cried with you on the couch when you crumbled with heartbreaking disappointment and defeat.
Lying to those who lived close beside you day in and day out is not easy. They know your stuff.
Sometimes when I am wrestling with a decision I remember that game. I want to write my choices on a slip of paper and sit down at the kitchen counter with God.
Lord, which one of these is the lie? Tell me, please.
For the last 6 weeks, we’ve opened up our Bibles and studied Truth. We are tired of getting fooled by the enemy, and we want to figure out how to recognize his deceit and stop falling for his schemes.
How do you know what is true? You have to live with it.
The Apostle John lived close to Jesus as His disciple for three years. He sat at the same table and walked dusty roads listening to the Teacher. He saw Jesus heal the lame, and he watched in horror as His Master hung on a cross and died.
John tells us how to discern between the Truth and a lie: We must abide closely to the One who is the way, the Truth, and the life. (John 14:6)
When John says, “And you will know the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free.” He doesn’t mean head knowledge. You can have a big Bible sitting open on your kitchen counter, but not really know the Truth.
The word “know” here implies more than reading, more than studying, more than speaking. To “know” means to live out continually, to remain standing with, to hold on to firmly.
When you “know” the Truth it jumps off the page of your Bible and fills up your heart. The Truth becomes your guide. You carry the Truth with you to work and to the grocery store. The Truth whispers, “Walk this way” when you stand at a crossroad, and you recognize His voice and follow.
When you let Jesus guide your every choice, determine your values, and set your goals, the enemy’s lies cannot reach you.
Want to recognize a lie? Get to know the One who never lies. Listen to His voice above all other voices. Carry Him with you wherever you go and commit to quickly obeying His will.
It’s easy to recognize a lie when you’ve surrendered your life to pursuing the Truth.
Yes!
Praying that we will closely abide to the One who is the Truth! Then, and only then can we stare down the lies of the enemy that he so freely throws our way. Thanks for the inspiration today! Blessings!
A very peaceful feeling came over me when I read this. Thank you!