Not too long ago, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed when I stumbled upon a pretty heated rant. The topic? A supposedly new law's impact on education. My inner detective couldn’t resist: I had to dig deeper. To my surprise, this "brand-new law" turned out to be an almost three-year-old temporary order, designed to help kids navigate school during the pandemic.
A little annoyed at the distraction and unnecessary online rant had me wondering - Did the original poster do their homework before sharing? Or was it an impulsive, quick-click share?
After calming down, a thought occurred to me, social media isn’t the only place where misleading narratives take root. We often confront a more insidious kind of “fake news" - the enemy has a knack for whispering deceptive tales, about our worth, our capabilities, and our future. "You're not good enough," "That dream's too big for you," or "You'll never change" are just a few of the enemy’s greatest hits.
However, these negative sound bites shouldn't be where our story ends. We owe it to ourselves to pause and question. We need to weigh these negative thoughts against the truths spelled out for us in the Bible. Scriptures are filled with affirmations of our value, purpose, and the love that God has for each one of us. And that's news we can tune our ears to.
So here’s a little challenge: Next time a doubt creeps in or a questionable thought pops up, take a moment. Double-check. Seek the truth with God and the Word. Here are a few ways to discern lies from the truth and combat the fake news of the enemy:
Recognition of the Enemy's Tactics:
Understanding the Strategy: Before you can effectively counteract the lies of the enemy, it's essential to recognize them for what they are: deliberate attempts to derail your spiritual growth and connection with God. The enemy often uses tactics like doubt, fear, shame, and guilt, presenting them as seemingly logical or self-evident thoughts in your mind.
Personalized Attacks: The enemy often tailors his lies to personal vulnerabilities or past mistakes. These specific, targeted lies can feel intensely real and relevant, making them even more challenging to combat.
Armoring Up with Truth:
The Word as a Weapon: Ephesians 6:17 refers to the word of God as the "sword of the Spirit." By deeply understanding and internalizing scriptures, you equip yourself with a powerful tool to refute the lies of the enemy. When a lie emerges, counteract it with a scripture or truth that contradicts it.
Regular Spiritual Practices: Engage regularly in practices like prayer, fasting, and worship. These actions not only bring you closer to God but also fortify your spirit, making it more challenging for the enemy's lies to gain a foothold in your mind.
Community and Accountability:
Strength in Numbers: One of the enemy's most effective tactics is isolation, making you feel like you're battling alone. However, when surrounded by a strong, faith-filled community, you can lean on others for support, wisdom, and encouragement.
Shared Vigilance: Having trusted spiritual mentors or friends can provide an added layer of defense. They can often discern when you're under attack and provide an external perspective, helping you distinguish between truth and the enemy's deceit.
With awareness, grounding in the truth, and the support of a community, you will be well-equipped to stand strong against the lies of the enemy.
For more resources, journals, and guides like this, check out our Live Loved Toolkit!