But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” – Genesis 3:4-5
Eve was offered a lie. She was given an invitation to receive it, believe it and to act upon it. It was an enticing lure dangling and dancing in front of her by the master angler of falsehood. She bit. And so did Adam. The effects were swift and destructive. Instant shame. They were hit with an overwhelming sense of guilt and unhealthy self-awareness and made a poor attempt at covering up their own reproach.
Fear and insecurity came flooding into their souls. Their intimacy with God was broken and they attempted to hide from their Creator and Father. Fellowship and connectedness with one other was contaminated and they set in motion man’s default of avoiding responsibility and repentance but to deflect and place blame elsewhere.
The day man fell was tragic. The effects of that grievous day are still felt by us today. Praise God that one day the Lord will restore all things back to their original splendor and perfection and reverse the curse. Until then, by the grace of God and empowering of the Holy Spirit let’s resist our sinful nature. Let’s take the risk of rejecting lies and half truths. Let’s take the risk of being truth speakers.
Let’s take the risk of rejecting lies and half truths. Let’s take the risk of being truth speakers.
Let’s take the risk of accepting responsibility for our actions, seeking repentance and forgiveness rather than trying to be shady and blame others. Let’s take the risk of standing in the open before our God, rather than attempting to hide, to draw near and be vulnerable and exposed before the One who loves us despite our blemishes and who can heal and cleanse us.
It’s a new year:
- What lies and half truths have you been believing that you need to reject?
- What fear has held you captive long enough that you will now shake off by the power of Christ?
- How will you come close to God and not run and hide from Him?
- How have you been dodging truth and responsibility and will now will step out to walk in light and truth?
Identify something from above. Write it down. Lay it before the Lord in prayer. Then share it with your spouse or a friend to get support, prayer and accountability.
It’s a new year, there’s no place for old lies.