Recognizing and Combating Deception: A Christian Perspective

The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving (Proverbs 14:8).

We are living in perilous times (2 Tim. 3:1-13). Many professing Christians have opened themselves up to a spirit of deception. James 1:19-22 says, “You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God. Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hears who deceive themselves.”

Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it.
Blaise Pascal

Misinformation and disinformation abounds so much that many people are challenged as to what to believe. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), “misinformation is false or inaccurate information — getting the facts wrong. Disinformation is the false information which is deliberately intended to mislead — intentionally making the misleading facts.”

“The spread of misinformation and disinformation has limited our ability to improve public health. It has hindered efforts to tackle climate change. It has also affected the maintenance of a stable democracy and more. Psychological science provides valuable insight into why we are to believe misinformation. It can also inform how we protect ourselves against its ill effects.”¹

We are all susceptible to losing our footing in the midst of the daily spread of misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation or disinformation can be very deceptive and clever fabrications intended to deceive even the very chosen. This is deliberate miscommunication and deception intended to deceive.

Paul warned Timothy that in the latter days difficult times would come. In turn Paul was also warning the Church what these times would be like: “…realize this that there will be difficult times in the last days.People will be selfish, greedy, boastful, and conceited. They will be insulting, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, and irreligious. They will be unkind, merciless, slanderers, violent, and fierce. They will hate the good. They will be treacherous, reckless, and swollen with pride. They will love pleasure rather than God. They will hold to the outward form of our religion, but reject its real power. Keep away from such people (2 Tim. 3:1-5). In these passages, Paul warns Timothy and the Church that grave dangers would arise. Necessary precautions must be in place to preserve the purity of the Church.

Folly is defined in Webster’s Dictionary² as:

lack of good sense or normal prudence and forsight
criminally or tragically foolish actions or conduct
a foolish act or idea

In these chaotic times, I hear Jeremiah 17:5-6, 9-10; Psalm 146:3-4 echoes in my spirit. I notice the current state of democracy in America. There is ongoing political chaos, conspiracy theories, and the rise of Christian nationalism. In Jeremiah 17, God convicts the Jews of the sin of idolatry. He condemns them to captivity for it (1-4). He reveals the folly of their self-reliance. It would make no difference when God’s time came to contend with them. This self-reliance was one of the sins his controversy with them was grounded upon (5-11). Jeremiah tells the people in verses 5-6, “This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. They are like stunted shrubs in the desert, with no hope for the future. They will live in the barren wilderness, in an uninhabited salty land (5-6 NLT).

The prophet, warns the people, “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” (Jer. 17:9 NLT), Verse 10 says, “But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.”

Barnes Notes commentary, “The train of thought is apparently this: If the man is so blessed in Jeremiah 17:7-8, who trusts in Yahweh, then what is the reason for the widespread reliance on human strength?” The answer is: Because man’s heart is incapable of seeing things in a straightforward manner, but is full of shrewd guile, and ever seeking to overreach others. Desperately wicked – Rather, mortally sick.³ The arm of the flesh refers to natural strength, power, and ways. All that can be accomplished or threatened by strictly human effort, apart from God. ³

Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction.
Blaise Pascal

President, George Washington’s farewell public letter warns of the potential for future political factions. They seek to obstruct the execution of the laws created by the government. These factions prevent the branches of government from exercising their constitutional powers. In light of Washington’s thoughts, it is clear we are witnessing much of this in our current political culture. The January 6 insurrection, stolen elections, conspiracy theories, and a house divided among itself are examples.

Many American citizens have put their trust in political leaders to save America. American political parties both left and right are guilty of failing to keep their oath to defend the Constitution. God watches over nations. He expects our political leaders, regardless of what party they represent, to work together. They must live up to the U.S. Constitution to “form a more perfect Union. They should set up Justice and insure domestic Tranquility. Leaders must supply for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty for all citizens. Heaven sees how justice and injustice prevails today. “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people” (Prov. 14:34).

We must keep our hearts and minds grounded in the truth of God’s Word. “Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight. (Prov. 15:21).

What is unfolding in our nation will lead another great awakening.

Blessings,

Minister A. Francine Green

Notes:

All Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.