The lies we believe can enslave us, especially when they shape our perception of ourselves, others, the world, and even God.
Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Lies about ourselves
« I’m worthless. »
This leads to self-sabotage and prevents us from recognizing our true worth.
« I’ll never change. »
This removes any hope for growth and improvement.
« My past defines me. »
This keeps people trapped in their mistakes or hurts.
2. Lies about others
« Others are responsible for my happiness. »
This creates dependency and disappointment.
The same is true of believing that our worth is based solely on the opinions of others.
This can make us slaves to their approval.
« Everyone rejects me. »
This can lead to loneliness and distrust, even when it is not true.
« Love must be earned. »
This prevents us from accepting unconditional love, especially that of God.
3. Lies about God
« God is far from me. »
While He is always near.
« The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. »(Psalm 34:18)
« God does not love me because of my faults. »
Yet the Bible says that His love is unconditional.
« You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. »(Romans 5:6-8)
« I must be perfect to be accepted by God. »
While salvation is a gift, not a reward.
« For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. »(Ephesians 2:8-9)
4. Lies of the world
« Money and success make us happy. »
Yet many rich and famous people are deeply unhappy.
« You must follow your heart blindly. »
Yet the Bible says that the human heart is deceptive.
« The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? »(Jeremiah 17:9)
« There is no absolute truth. »
But without truth, there are no benchmarks or real freedom.
These lies lock people in fear, guilt, dependence and illusion.
But the truth, it, liberates.
« You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. » (John 8:32)
This shows that while lies enslave, the truth liberates.
And the Truth is Jesus Himself.
To know Jesus and His work on the cross is to know the truth that frees man.
PRAYER:
Lord our God, grant us to be free from all the lies that enslave us.
It is in the precious name of your son Jesus Christ that we pray, Amen.
Apostle Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA