«A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies» (Proverbs 14:5).
INTEGRITY
Deceit seems to be a characteristic of our times. There are scammers everywhere wanting to gain profits at the expense of other people’s good faith. The scope of deceit is so great that it’s part of economic, political and social matters, as well as matters that have to do with physical, mental and spiritual well being.
Jesus said that, before His coming, the culture of deceit would increase: «Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many» (Matthew 24:11). «For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect’ (Matthew 24:24). In particular, the religious world would come up with deceits that would be extremely attractive to the human mind through seductive teachings that would even appeal to believers themselves: «Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons» (1 Timothy 4:1). Although this is the age of information, also the age of religious nonsense. important to be very careful today with what we hear and believe. Jesus forewarned there would be times of great confusion regarding religious beliefs.
Today deceit is within the church. Out of nowhere someone comes up claiming to have a message from Heaven and attacks church leadership. In regards to that, Ellen White affirms, «When men arise, claiming to have a message from God, but instead of warring against principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world, they form a hollow square, and turn the weapons of warfare against the church militant, be afraid of them. They do not bear the divine credentials. God has not given them any such burden of labor. They would tear down that which God would restore by the Laodicean message. He wounds only that He may heal, not cause to perish. The Lord lays upon no man a message that will discourage and dishearten the church»—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, ch. 2, P. 22.
Therefore, we need to prepare to confront deceitful plotting with the best defense, that is, the Word of God.
Ask God today to help you always be in favor of truth.