Key Verse: "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
- Galatians 6:7 KJV
In a world overflowing with opinions, voices, and influences, deception can easily find a way into our hearts and minds. That’s why Scripture gives us a clear and urgent command: “Be not deceived.” This isn’t merely advice—it is a divine warning. God, in His infinite wisdom, knows how subtle the enemy’s tactics are, and He calls us to walk in discernment and truth.
1. Deception Begins in the Heart
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
— Jeremiah 17:9 (KJV)
Our own hearts, if left unchecked, can mislead us. Feelings are not always facts. We must allow God’s Word to be the measuring stick for what is true, not our emotions, not culture, and certainly, not majority opinion.
2. Guard Your Mind with the Word
"Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience."
— Ephesians 5:6 (KJV)
There are many who speak what is pleasing to the ear but poisonous to the soul. The only safeguard against vain words is God’s eternal Word. When we know Scripture, we recognize counterfeits. A mind renewed by the Word (Romans 12:2), is a mind guarded against lies.
3. Deception Has Consequences
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
— 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)
Who we allow to influence us matters. The company we keep and the voices we trust can slowly shift our values and beliefs. Paul reminds us that deception often works through subtle relationships and “communications” that chip away at godly character.
4. The Spirit of Truth Guides Us
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth..."
— John 16:13a (KJV)
God has not left us defenseless. He has given us the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth to guide us. When we remain in fellowship with the Spirit, we are not easily swayed. His gentle conviction will alert us when something is off, even when it seems right to others.
Conclusion
Devotion to God requires vigilance against deception, as the Bible warns us to be cautious of those who may mislead us. As noted in our key verse, we are reminded that deception often comes in the form of persuasive words that lead us away from the truth.
The Bible also highlights the danger of being deceived, as seen in Revelation 12:9, which states, "And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." This shows that deception is a powerful force that can affect many people.
To guard against this, we must seek wisdom and discernment, as the Bible encourages us to honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce. By staying rooted in God's Word and seeking His guidance, we can avoid being led astray and maintain a faithful devotion to Him.
