LIAR, LIAR, PANTS ON FIRE
Perhaps I’m dating myself, but I clearly remember school mates saying “Liar, liar, pants on fire” if they thought someone was deceitful. It was ranked right up there with “Sticks and stones…”. I haven’t said that to anyone in a long time, but perhaps it’s time to start. Satan is a liar and the originator of all lies (John 8:44). The first time he is mentioned in the Bible he is lying to Eve (Genesis 3). He has nothing to do with the truth for there is no truth in him. In fact, the only time he uses the truth is when it helps him promote a greater lie.
His control of the world system is through lies and deception (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4). He distorts and misleads peoples’ thoughts by promoting values and priorities that seem appealing but end up empty (materialism, sexuality, power and control, popularity, pleasure, etc.).
For example, in the last generation he has promoted sexual values in this country that are entirely different than they were in previous generations. These new values may seem to bring “freedom,” but the ultimate result is that individuals and society are destroyed and a holy God is challenged to bring judgment. The lie is that this is “good” for us, and a large number of Christians fall for these lies.
Behind every one of your sins is a lie of Satan. He promises a quicker, easier, better way to meet your needs than patiently trusting God and persevering in faith. Think of some of the sins you struggle with most. You’ll probably see a legitimate need behind it, but find yourself using an illegitimate means to meet that need. We feel hurt but instead of taking the pain to Jesus we respond in anger. We are concerned about a health situation but instead of trusting God we worry. We feel lonely or afraid, but instead of going to Jesus we turn to our favorite addiction. You fill in how it applies to you. We buy Satan’s lie that anger, worry or our favorite addiction will make us feel better and remove the pain, concern, loneliness or fear. But of course it doesn’t.
Spend a few moments applying this to your struggles. Write down the situation (the legitimate need) and your wrong solution. Then in back write some promises from God – the truth of His Word. Be alert to the lies when they come and remember God’s truth instead. Then you can say to Satan, “Liar, liar, pants on fire!” and go on with your day.
John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Please let me know if there are topics you would like to see addressed in a blog. I really welcome your suggestions! jerry@schmoyer.net
By Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer © Copyright 2019 Christian Training Organization. https://www.christiantrainingonline.org/