Ignoring The Liar

Ignoring the Liar

Read: John 8:42-47

“When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

John 8:44

“The best protection against Satan’s lies is to know God’s truth.”

—Anonymous

IN WORD We try to fill our hearts with so much that is not of God. Advertisements tell us that we only need this or that product to feel better, look better, or be better. The world tells us that we can be fulfilled if we have enough romance, leisure, sex, entertainment, possessions, or money. Common wisdom tells us that if we don’t have our health, we don’t have anything. We are constantly telling ourselves that if we only had this kind of car, that size house, the job of our dreams, or the right family situation, that we would then be happy and content. Or, if we’re inclined to be more spiritual about it, we might think we need some revelation or moving experience for us to finally get it all together. We have bought into all of this reasoning at one time or another. And in doing so, we have bought into lies.

Here Jesus tells us that Satan is the father of lies. He manipulates a world system that will tell us one myth after another to keep us chasing after the proverbial brass ring, searching for contentment but never finding it. We keep thinking the next fashion or trend will satisfy, only to find emptiness when we get there. If we buy into Satan’s lies, we become like those of whom Paul warns: “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (2 Timothy 4:4). We will seek and never find, because our seeking will be based on illusions.

IN DEED If our hearts are empty, they are empty only of God. He is the only real substance that can satisfy our cravings for fulfillment. Why do we press on after other things? Because we don’t believe Jesus. We have bought into the lies of the evil one.

Any discontent, any ache, any emptiness should drive us to our knees in hunger for God, which He promises to fulfill. Let’s seek Him in every situation, turning from the father of lies to the truth that sets us free.