“Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
We tend to see a person who lies to us or about us as the enemy, but the real enemy is Satan. He is the instigator behind every form of falsehood. As long as we’re alive in this world the devil will try to discourage and deceive us by twisting the truth and outright lying. The enemy’s lies are also meant to vilify Christians and marginalize our influence in the world. It happens today and it’s happened before.
In the early days of the church, the Jews in the synagogues turned on the Christian Jews and started rumors about them. Christians were called cannibals because they kept communion. They were accused of engaging in orgies because they held Agape (love) feasts. They were blamed for incurring the wrath of the gods after natural disasters because they didn’t worship statues. And the lies went on and on.
Basically, the non-Christian Jews created a narrative and attacked anyone who didn’t go along with it. Sound familiar? That’s because the enemy hasn’t changed his strategy since he was kicked out of Heaven thousands of years ago. And he always finds those who will go along. Jesus said of them, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He…does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him” (John 8:44).
So, how should believers respond to the enemy’s lies? First, realize that God knows and is in control. He even told us ahead of time so we wouldn’t freak out. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Secondly, we need to know God and His Word. Reading the Bible for transformation changes everything because it gives us an eternal perspective (Romans 8:18; Colossians 3:1-3). It’s easy to feel like a victim when you don’t view life through the lens of eternity. You are not a victim; you are a victor in Jesus Christ! (Romans 8:31-39).
What lie of the enemy is causing you to feel discouraged or defeated? You cannot overcome the enemy’s lies without putting the truth of Scripture in your heart and mind. Pay attention to the news but keep your nose in the Book! Until Jesus returns, the presence of sin in the world will affect everything and everyone. So, be aware of those who deal in half-truths and outright lies, but remember who the real enemy is.