“All sin is based on a lie.”
I heard that statement in a Bible study last night. It seems so basic, but it struck me as profound. Every time you and I give in to temptation and sin, we are believing a lie. Makes me feel awfully gullible.
Maybe this hits home to me because I write fiction. In a novel, a character’s flaws are based on lies he or she believes about themselves.
“I’m unworthy.”
“I’m unloveable.”
“I’m not good enough.”
Or “I’m better than them.”
The story comes about as the character faces situations that reveal the lie, forcing him or her to recognize it as a lie and overcome it. Or not.
This can be powerful in real life. If we accept that sin is based on a lie, then our job is to recognize the lies we believe.
“I deserve this.” (We deserve nothing but punishment.)
“Just once won’t matter.” (It only takes once to run a red light and kill someone.)
“No one will know.” (God knows, and eventually, everything will be revealed.)
What lies are we believing that keep setting us up to sin? There’s usually one or two that get us in trouble every time. The next time temptation beckons, stop for just a moment and see if you can recognize the lie behind it. Then decide if you want to continue believing that lie, or pursue the truth. Give in to sin, or conquer it?
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32
What lies are you believing?
