“You shall not surely die!” said the serpent to Eve.

Is this sentence true or false?

Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish whether a sentence is true or false because it contains both elements of truth and false. 

This is exactly how the enemy is operating in society today. He contaminates the truth, he desensitizes your mind to the wrong and he reverses the right and wrong.

It has become increasingly difficult to differentiate the truth from the false because of the high level of deception that is plaguing our society.

This situation is clearly seen in the current pandemic that are happening right now.

Over the past year we have heard countless different versions of the origin of COVID-19 and the reasons for it.

Some people flatly deny that this disease exists regardless of the number of people who are sick and dying from it. The COVID vaccine is viewed with a high level of skepticisms.

How can we know the truth?

Jesus said that we will know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32).

Therefore, knowing the absolute truth about whatever is taking place in the world depends on knowing Jesus Christ who will reveal the truth to you.

If you are not anchored in the truth of God’s Word you will be lost in the sea of deception that has overtaken the world.

It is even more difficult for our children because they are at the stage where they absorb everything that society pushes on them.

Thus, it is imperative that we train up our children in the truth based on the foundation of the Word of God.

Knowing the truth

Live a life of integrity and without partiality or hypocrisy so that your children can exemplify you. 

The things which you have learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:9 NKJV)

Beware of traditions and deceptions

Many philosophies and doctrines are in the world and you can access them easily on social media and the web.

Be careful that you do not get distracted by them because they will lead you astray. Stick to the basic principles of God and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Colossians 2: 8-10 NKJV)

The college and university will teach you various philosophies and theories that are contrary to the principles of God.

Since they are part of your curriculum to achieve your degree you have to study these courses, but you do not have to accept them as truth.

Daniel was a young Hebrew boy when he was taken captive along with other children to Babylon.

The king selected these intelligent young people to teach them the Babylonian languages, customs and religion. These were considered pagan doctrines contrary to their Hebrew upbringing.

Daniel humbled himself and excelled in everything he was taught.

However, Daniel did not give up the his Hebrew traditions or the God of his forefathers. He continued to   stand firm in his belief and refused to partake of the king’s meat.

Daniel believed that the King’s meat, that were possibly offered up to idols, would defile his body.

He was willing to study the customs of Babylon but refused to ingest anything that was contaminated.

This is a valuable lesson to our youths. You can achieve a secular education without allowing certain aspect of it to defile your mind.

Additional reading: Daniel 1

Traditions and doctrines bring division

Denominational doctrines and traditions tend to drive the Church apart. I believe this is a plot of the enemy to divide the Church.

As long as we compete with each other we will not be united.

So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. (Colossians 2: 16-19 NKJV)

Not every ministry that mention “God” and “Jesus” is genuine because Jesus said that there will be many false Christs and false prophets in the latter days (Matthew 24:24).

Also, not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord” will enter the kingdom of God but only those who do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21).

Therefore, avoid becoming emotionally attached to religious leaders and always test the spirit to see if it is from God.

A close relationship with God will give you the wisdom to know who is a true believer in God because the Holy Spirit will reveal the truth.

Walk steadfastly in humility and obedience to God.

The Holy Spirit will guide you on the pathway of truth when you build a close relationship with the Lord in prayer, fasting and the Word.

Avoid vain and foolish arguments

Foolish arguments will lead to anger and ungodliness.

But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strife. (2 Timothy 2:16, 22-23)

Rest assured that the foundation of God is secured and so you can stand firm on His truth.

O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:20-21 NKJV)

Lord I pray that you will help us to walk worthy of our calling.

Teach us how to avoid the council of the ungodly and give us wisdom to discern the truth in these trying times.

Thank you, Lord for answering our prayers. In Jesus name I pray. Amen!