Deception: Today’s Agenda

Have you heard this quote, “ Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive?” Although this is a quote from a poem by Walter Scott (1771-1832), it is an accurate characterization to the theme of deception.

Today, we realize this quote rings true with great intensity. As can be seen with the corruption and scandal within our nation, a tangled web has been woven that is far-reaching.

“Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made” (Genesis 3:1). The instigator behind a tangled web of deception is Satan the grand master of deceit.

To begin with let’s consider the meaning of the word deceive. In essence to deceive is to persuade someone that something false is the truth, or to keep the truth hidden for an advantage.

When one person, (or group) chooses to deceive others, a tangled web of confusing, jumbled, mixed up, messy and complex situations will occur. Now the implications of a deception can be staggering, whether on a small or large scale.

Deceiving carries with it a feeling of both craftiness and betrayal. The scripture states that the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field. Crafty implies one being skillful and clever. This means Satan has all the tools of deception in his little bag of dirty tricks.

“When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44b).

Not surprisingly, Satan is the “father of lies.” And one thing for sure, one lie leads to another. This is where a cover-up begins. If not halted early on, a tangled web begins to unfold reaching far and wide. Meanwhile truth gets buried.

Clearly, what is well demonstrated by the mainstream media of today is that lying can be harmful not only to the main target but to others as well. And although destructive, who can control people’s tongues?

“Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a fire a forest kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:5-6).

Now deception usually begins with the tongue. Did you know our tongues can be ignited by the fires of hell? Our tongues which comprise a small part of our bodies can bring much destruction.

Most often a tangled web ignited by the tongue can cause divisions, ruined reputations, and dismantled relationships. This can take place on a small or large scale.

Of course lying and deceit work hand in hand to accomplish a desired outcome. And if a lie is told repeatedly, many will believe it. Indeed, Satan is the ringleader at scheming, trickery and conniving. Needless to say he uses human instruments to accomplish his goals.

“Sanctify them by Your truth Your word is truth” (John 17:17).

Mind you we live in a world where truth is harder to come by. With disinformation shoved down our throats daily by the mainstream news media and those trying to rewrite history, finding truth takes some effort on our part.

Furthermore, many today think lying is okay if the end justifies the means. Also, truth tellers and whistleblowers are often labeled as troublemakers. This silencing of truth by intimidation helps to continue the perpetuation of lies.

We also need to consider the fact that many people don’t want to hear truth. They can’t handle the truth. It may shake their world or cause them to question their belief system. Lastly, it may force them to probe their own hearts.

Jesus is the one who illumines us with truth and the only truth that we can be sure of is God’s word. More important God’s word reveals the condition of our hearts. It keeps us in check so to speak (Hebrews 4:12).

Have you ever lied? Well, if we say we never lied, we’d be lying. Those of us who are parents know that small children lie, it’s that sinful nature we are born with. But as Christians we are to put off the old man, we are new creatures in Christ (Romans 6:6). Have you deceived others? Gee that might be something to ponder.

Meanwhile what about deceptions and evil plotting against individual believers? Have you been misunderstood, lied about, smeared, scammed, cheated, or even betrayed? These are hard pills to swallow. But I see Christians increasingly experiencing these type of dilemmas.

As Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias states, “The fact is, the truth matters especially when you’re on the receiving end of a lie.” Yes, truth does matter and it can be detrimental to our well being when someone, or a group of people have lied about you.

During these personal struggles, when we find ourselves on “the receiving end of a lie,” we need to remember what is stated in God’s word; “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12).

Another question to ask ourselves is, have we ever been deceived? One thing for sure God gave us prophecy, so that we wouldn’t be deceived in the last days. The point of the matter is we need to pay attention.

“Through his cunning he will cause deceit to prosper under his rule” (Daniel 8:25).

The fall of this world will be based on deception. Furthermore, it will be the greatest deception of all time, a world wide delusion. A tangled web that sets the stage for the last days, has been in the works since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden.

The antichrist will pretend to be God himself and demand to be worshipped “Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object or worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).

Many will believe Him, and many will fall away from the faith. Their doom will be sealed for eternity.

“Awake you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light” (Ephesians 5:14).

To conclude we need to be awake to what God’s word says and what’s happening in our lives. Besides things are not business as usual. The truth is we are not living in usual times.

As we can see in today’s world there is a bondage to the culture of lies. A tangled web of deception has been tightly woven and will continue. Christians need to steer clear, or break free. Going against the tide is not going to make anyone popular.  But we have to keep our eternal destinies in mind.

“And the great dragon was hurled down, the ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world” (Revelation 12:9).