Jesus seems so cranky with the religious leaders. (They deserved it; they were, after all, plotting to kill him). But in the midst of his being confrontive, he says something really important for all of us to hear. It’s about how we get sucked into listening to lying suggestions that pull us away from what God is calling us to do. He says to the leaders: You are from your father, the devil, and you choose to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8.44) Wow, that stings!
But I’ve been noticing that I have my own bag of lies that hangs around me, and periodically throughout the day or week they pop out and whisper their discouraging words into my head: “You’re going to fail at this.” “That is impossible.” “What will they think?” Or maybe the lies are more rationalizations: “You deserve this” (usually at the expense of another). “It won’t matter just this once.” “It’s hopeless.” We each have our own set of lying voices that keep hounding us.
However,Jesus also told those same religious leaders this: If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.(John 8.31-32) It seems like the truth of God’s promises are the best antidotes to the tempter’s lies that drag me down. Here are a few of God’s promises (and commands) that I have been counting on to set me free from both the crap and the crappy thinking I get myself into.
1. Daniel 10.19 Do not fear, greatly beloved; you are safe. Be strong and courageous. (Good for the lie that says: this is impossible. Don’t take any chances.)
2. Feed my sheep (Keeps me focused and good for the lie that says I’d rather read a book)
3. I in you and you in me. (Jesus said it; good for the lie that says: you’re on your own, sister.)
So what are some of God’s words (truth) that help set you free to follow Christ’s call? Words that give you the guts and courage to keep on keeping on when it’s tough? Maybe one of God’s truths that has helped you will help someone else who reads this.
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