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Global News Christian Views: The Nature of Deception
Deception often begins when we try to serve God on our own terms. While many desire to hear "well done, good and faithful servant," we struggle with the servant's core attribute - being predisposed to following direction. This speaks to America's fierce independence, which can make us resistant to true servanthood.
The challenge intensifies as many Christians today view their faith through a secular rather than biblical worldview. This shift began in the 1960s and continues today, leading many to decide what God's commands should be rather than submitting to His actual word.
The October 7th Deception
A powerful example of deception's danger emerged in Israel leading up to October 7th, 2023. Hamas conducted a careful two-year campaign of deception, convincing Israel they were focused on economic opportunities while secretly planning devastating attacks. They constructed mock Israeli settlements for training while persuading observers they only wanted worker access across borders.
The Israeli ambassador to the UN called it "our 9/11," with forensic teams documenting horrific atrocities. This deception succeeded because Israel began looking at surface-level peaceful signs rather than maintaining vigilance.
Life under Hamas reveals the reality behind their deception:
- Only 3% live to age 65
- Less than 10% have drinkable water
- Electricity available just 4 hours daily
- 80% depend on charity for food
- Aid is routinely confiscated to maintain oppression
Protecting Against Deception
To guard against deception while maintaining biblical love:
- Desire consistency in spirituality through:
- Regular prayer life
- Consistent Bible study
- Faithful giving
- Ongoing service
- Understand the whole Bible, not just favorite parts
- Let Scripture interpret Scripture
- See how Old Testament speaks to New Testament
- Know and apply God's attributes:
- Provider
- Protector
- Goodness
- Truth
Right On or Way Off?
"What we learn from experience depends on the kind of philosophy we bring to the experience." - CS Lewis RIGHT ON! Our core beliefs filter how we interpret and act on experiences.
"Atheism proves that God exists." RIGHT ON! If there were truly no God, there would be no reason for atheists to evangelize their position. Their passionate opposition actually points to God's reality.
"We do not draw people to Christ by loudly discrediting what they believe by telling them how wrong they are and how right we are, but by showing them a light that is so lovely that they want with all their hearts to know the source of it." WAY OFF! While the statement sounds appealing, it contains two false premises:
- It mischaracterizes biblical evangelism - we don't tell people how wrong they are, we proclaim God's truth
- It assumes people naturally gravitate toward light, contradicting Scripture's teaching on sin nature
John 3:19-20 reveals that people actually love darkness and hate light apart from God's intervention. We must proclaim God's Word, which alone has power to bring people from death to life.
The solution isn't just being nice Christians hoping people absorb truth by osmosis. We must actively share the gospel while reflecting Christ's light, knowing that God's Word alone has transforming power.