"The Lies That Bind"

 

“The Lies That Bind”

 

Several years ago Karen read me a devotional by Beth Moore on the theme of how we see ourselves. If our perception is that we’re stupid, ugly or worthless Moore’s question was, “Who told you that?” If God through His Word didn’t then it’s a lie! But even with this assurance we sometimes believe the negatives so they become the lies that bind us. Can we escape this rut? Paul has God’s answer: “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25, emphasis added).

In 1985 Robert McGee, President of Rapha Ministries, first published The Search for Significance. His thesis is stated on the book’s cover: “We can build our self-worth on our ability to please others, or on the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.” He develops his contention with five biblical principles, each of which demolishes one of the devil’s lies that bind us. They are (emphasis added in each case)…

I am deeply loved. Our enemy tells us we’re unworthy of God’s love because of our failure to measure up to His standards. But Scripture says, “…God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8).

I am completely forgiven. Satan says we can never be forgiven because our sin is too great. But John tells us that “…the blood of Jesus, (God’s) Son, purifies us from ALL sin.” (1 John 1:7).

I am fully pleasing. The evil one mockingly declares that we can never satisfy God’s expectations of us. But listen to Paul’s words: “If you serve Christ with (an) attitude (of goodness and peace and joy) you will please God.” (Romans 14:18. NLT).

I am totally accepted. Our accuser tries to make us think God will never receive us as His child due to our past shortcomings. Contrast this falsehood with God’s truth “…by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved.” (Ephesians 1:6, NKJV).

I am complete in Christ, When our archenemy tries to belittle us we can clobber him by saying, “…(I am) complete in (Christ)….” (Colossians 2:10, NKJV).

Solomon raises the question, “Does not wisdom call out?” (Proverbs 8:1). It calls out to me to listen to God “…who cannot lie….” (Titus 1:2, NKJV) rather than Satan of whom Jesus said that “there is no truth in him.” (John 8:44). Whose voice will get my attention? How about yours?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan