SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1255

“Deception”

But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they on their part acted with cunning and went and made ready provisions and took worn-out sacks for their donkeys, and wineskins, worn-out and torn and mended, with worn-out, patched sandals on their feet, and worn-out clothes. And all their provisions were dry and crumbly. And they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a distant country, so now make a covenant with us.” … So, the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the Lord. And Joshua made peace with them and made a covenant with them, to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore to them. – Joshua 9:3-6,14-15

According to Psychology Today Magazine, Deception refers to the act of encouraging people to believe information that is not true. Lying is a common form of deception—stating something known to be untrue with the intent to deceive.

Others have simply defined it as “False communication to the benefit of the communicator.” And “The communication of information provided with the intent to manipulate another.” This is what we see in our reference Scripture where Joshua and the nation of Israel were deceived by the Gibeonites.

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.” – John 7:24

We live in a world society fraught with deception. It is nothing new. Deception has been around since Satan deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. It has, however, taken on a more high-tech and pervasive approach through social media channels. Regardless of the method, it is all driven and backed by the prince of the power of the air in this world.

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience – Ephesians 2:1-2

There are new tools in Satan’s arsenal: Generative AI and Synthetic Media are terms used for chatbots that simulate human activity creating deepfake videos and the cloning of voices to create speech that was never uttered. We know it and see it as fake news and social media posts intended to manipulate thinking and defraud people through scams.

A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape – Proverbs 19:5

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD – If you are in business, sales, marketing, and advertising, walk the narrow path of integrity following Jesus and avoid the world’s wide path of deception.

Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel. – Proverbs 20:17

The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. – Proverbs 21:6

Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord. – Proverbs 20:10

You shall not steal; you shall not deal falsely; you shall not lie to one another. – Leviticus 19:11

GUARD YOUR HEART – Stay continually in the Truth of the Word of God. Read it. Study it. Meditate upon it. Pray it.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:10-12

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world; And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds. – 1 John 4:1; Corinthians 11:14-15

But test everything; hold fast what is good. – 1 Thessalonians 5:21

PRAY FOR DISCERNMENT and SEEK SPIRITUAL MATURITY – By the power of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit you can discern truth from falsehood no matter how cunning the perpetrator is.

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits …. – Matthew 7:15-20

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. – Hebrews 5:14

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5

JESUS IS TRUTH – Abide in Jesus and He will set you free from the snares of deception in this world.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. … – John 14:6

Abide in me, and I in you. … – John 15:4

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! – Psalm 105:4

BENEDICTION

And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. – Philippians 1:9-11