Be Not Deceived
God says quite a bit about the subject of deception. He warns us repeatedly about the consequences of such. In fact, the worst type of deception is self-deception: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise” (1 Cor. 3:18). Several examples include when one develops the attitude of conceit (Gal. 6:3), hears the word of God but does not apply it (James 1:22), does not control his speech (James 1:26) or claims to be sinlessly perfect (1 John 1:8). In addition, the inspired writers on a few occasions wrote very plainly to their readers (including us) to “be not deceived.” Notice these examples more closely.
“And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived : for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them” (Luke 21:8). In the context of Jesus discussing the future event of the destruction of Jerusalem, He warns His disciples not to follow false teachers who would lead them away from the truth. False teachers disguise themselves well as sheep, “but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matt. 7:15). Hence, the activity of deception is relatively simple and effective to all but those who love the truth (cf. 2 Thess. 2:8-12). In both the religious world and the church where we find so much false doctrine taught by false teachers, this is a worthy admonition for us today.
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9-10). Including Christians, everyone should understand that sin has no place in the presence of God (Isa. 59:1-2). For humanity to act as if God will overlook those who commit sin is tragic. For Christians to act as if they are able to enter heaven simply because they were baptized earlier in their lives without any regard for the spiritual condition of their souls is nothing but deceptive. These are worthy words to the many who loudly proclaim false messages of tolerance!
“Be not deceived : evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33). While we usually teach this diligently to our teenagers, this is a message for adults as well. Who are our closest friends? Do we live our lives with anticipation of the fellowship of the saints (cf. Heb. 10:25)? The wise adage rings true: “Birds of a feather flock together.” We fall to the deception of the devil when we do not watch our associations.
“Be not deceived ; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). The law of retribution is a law that has been in effect since the dawn of creation. Youth cannot sow their wild oats without reaping a wicked harvest! Christians must not fall into deception by thinking that one can slip by God. Every action in our lives will have consequences to come. We need to live our lives in constant attention to these facts.
Therefore, here are but a few examples to encourage us in warning against “the wiles of the devil” known as deception. May we all be keenly aware of the damaging effects it can render in our lives!