Now this may sound like a simplistic or over-spiritualized assessment, but I have come to the conclusion that the big lie of our spiritual enemy is that you cannot believe anything you hear or see.  I say this is the big lie because the desire of our spiritual enemy is for us to become a weakened community who experiences a waning impact on the world.  And unfortunately, this appears to be happening around us day by day.  Allow me to try and back this claim up.

We are told that you should believe scientists who contradict themselves.  We are told that we can believe in the messaging of one party but not to trust the messaging of the other party.  We are told that we can believe in inclusion, liberty, freedom, but still have not seen the full results of these things in our society.  We are told to believe in the politicians who have our “best interest at heart.”  We are told that inflation is temporary and that the supply chain concerns will be resolved soon.  We are asked to believe in the power of the government to solve many of our personal and social problems.  All while being told that you cannot trust business leaders, religious leaders, or maybe even your neighbor who chooses to not wear a mask while driving their car.  We have a crisis of unbelief and that is what our spiritual enemy wants.  Our spiritual enemy does not want us to belief in what we see and hear, especially in regards to what we believe about the triune God.

“Belief” is a powerful word.  From Genesis to Jude, it is used 285 times in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the Bible.  Why, in the Gospel of John it is used 84 times.  This might give you the impression that it was (and continues to be) an important word.  The definition of “believe” is this: “accept something as true; feel sure of the truth of; have faith, especially religious faith.”  It infers that you are convinced of, trust, or have confidence in a truth, person, or more. 

We believe that God the Father created the heavens and the earth.  That Jesus Christ was God’s son sent to save us.  And that the Holy Spirit was given to us so that we might serve God and serve others in God’s name.  If we believe the truth of this, trust it, and have confidence, then we will make a positive difference in the world.  But if we doubt this, don’t believe it, then we will simply give in to the big lie of the enemy. 

I invite you to take time and read each of the scriptures above as you move to reflect on the questions below.  Take a moment and consider what you trust and have confidence in because that is what you believe in.  Lastly, I pray that God bless the reading of God’s Word and the meditations of your heart.