We live in the day of many voices. It seems everyone uses their voices for their passion. And some of these messages are labeled as “Christian.” So, believers often listen without comparing their message with Scripture. They don’t question the theology, especially if it was elevated through a Christian publishing company, mega-church, charismatic speaker, or popular leader.  

Don’t get me wrong – many messages are spot on and biblically sound. But there are MANY that are not. If we take the time to “test everything that is said” (1 Thessalonians 5:21), then we would fare much better and be anchored in our faith more securely. 

With that said, I would like to expose five lies that Christians buy into.

1. Believe in yourself!

Have you heard…

• You can be anything you want. 
• You are in control of your own life.
• Listen to your inner voice.
• Your story is about you.

Now, please hear what I’m about to say… There is some truth to these, but they are often used in a context that does not include God. And as a child of God, our lives should mirror what the Bible says and what Jesus says about us; not running through life trying to control our own destiny.

Here’s what God says…

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9. -We are called to praise Him.

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10. -We are called as God’s workers to do good works 

I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 -the key is THROUGH CHRIST

Hence, these are better responses for us…

• I can DO anything God asks of me, but only through Christ.
• God is in control of my life, so I surrender it to Him.
• I’m listening to the inner voice of the Holy Spirit, not my own fleshly voice or the whispers of the enemy.
• My story is about what God has done for me.

2. Chase after what you want!

Here are some common thoughts… If you want that career, then go for it. If you want that lifestyle, then work to achieve it. If you want that promotion, then do what you need to do to get it. If you want to become famous, then chase after it. 

So, let me ask… What does God want? Scripture does NOT say to chase after what WE want, but to seek after Him.

Words to ponder: “Seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33); “Look to the LORD and His strength, seek His face always” (Psalm 105:4); “Blessed are those who keep His statutes and seek Him with all their heart” (Psalm 119:2). 

After chasing his own dreams for years and never finding fulfillment, Solomon finally turned to God. He writes this at the end of his life: “Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Wise advice!

The writer of Hebrews tells us why we should seek Him: “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Now, this is surely the best reason to chase after what He wants for our lives, not what we want. 

Join me LIVE this Monday night, March 11th, on our Solid Truth Ministries Facebook page at 7:30 EST as I discuss this topic in greater detail.

 

3. What others believe is of no concern of mine!

Everyone seems to be preaching this today. The truth of Scripture used to have a prominent place in the framework of our country’s heritage. But centuries later, leaders are afraid to call out truth. Instead, they stick to what is comfortable and what people want to hear, rather than what they must hear. 

Here’s the thing… the Apostle Paul never wavered in relation to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If people were headed in the wrong direction, he told them. As Paul arrived in Athens, he was troubled by all the shrines and idol statues. He then went into the synagogue and told them of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Acts 17:16-34). 

A common belief today is that many roads lead to God. But Jesus said that He is the ONLY way to God (John 14:6). If we see people heading in the wrong direction, we should use our voice – and our life – to speak truth to them. What they choose to put their trust in now determines where they spend eternity.

Always remember though… Do everything in love, not judgement, and it’s not our job to save them. We are only the messengers.

4. Talking about sin is old-fashioned!

The word sin is taboo in our culture, and sadly, even in the church. People think the word sin is from the dark ages. But remember, “God is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). And if God thinks it’s important to address sin, then it’s VERY important. It’s not old-fashioned at all. 

Sin keeps us in bondage. Sin separates us from God. Sin is the cause of many of our problems. Sin opens the door wide for the enemy to gain a foothold. Sin dims our witness for Christ.

Sweeping sin under the rug or turning a blind eye to it is NOT the answer. Facing it is the answer. John says: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). This is GREAT news. 

As we wait for the return of our Bridegroom, we are to prepare ourselves. One way to do this is to stay holy and to keep ourselves from sin. Perfection is not possible, but holiness is. 

5. Embrace the world!

Jesus said that “we are no longer of this world because he chose us to come out of this world” (John 15:19). Therefore, if believers are not of this world, why would we embrace it?  

Here is food to chew on… “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15); “Do not conform to the pattern of this world (Romans 12:2); “In this world, you will have trouble” (John 16:33).

And… “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17).

I do not read anywhere in Scripture that we are to embrace the world. Instead, we are to unfasten its grip on us.

The world has its own agenda – an agenda that stands in contrast to God’s agenda. Let me say this…  I believe that the world will lure us in, strangle us, chew us up, and then spit us out. Satan has set up his throne on this earth and he rules with an evil and forceful fist. 

So let’s be careful to embrace God and His Word, not the world.

I hope these points were helpful. Please write your comments and share this with others.

Blessings,

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