Have you noticed lately that people seem to be open to a lot of things they weren’t open to before? And that sometimes people can get really angry when you don’t agree with them? Unfortunately, the voice of reason is generally not well received by those that don’t want to hear it. I would welcome a civil conversation, based on truth. But then, there is the problem.

Yep, I’ve lived long enough to be able to say, “I remember when…”, and occasionally refer to the previous century as the good old days. Well, before the 70s anyway.  I know it must have caused my parents alarm as they saw some of my attitudes and actions in my teenage years, especially as I endeavored to be accepted and popular. I understand now that they had reason to be concerned, and yet probably felt somewhat helpless to fight the influence that my peers and the culture was in my life, and in the world.

Now, there’s an urge inside me to quickly explain that it wasn’t nearly as bad then as it is now. And I would argue that any day. But the deceptive influence that is at work today was alive and active in my youth (now I do sound old…), and deception has been a powerful force since the beginning. Remember Eve and the serpent?

But let’s lay aside “us” for a while and look at Tim. We’re in chapter 25 of The Bridge from OneDayBow, specifically on page 112, top of the page.

On a warm spring afternoon, Tim went down on Main Street

To a sidewalk café where popular people meet.

They like to discuss ideas, and have conversations

About their philosophies, based on observations.

Before you suspect that Tim is looking to hang out with the in-crowd, you should know – and can clearly read –  Tim was on a mission for the King. All of his equipment was in the ready, and of course he wore the belt of Truth and carried the Book. He was going to need it!

Tim knew it was a tough crowd to tell about the King –

The latest bobble trends were much more to their liking.

A girl motioned at a chair: “C’mon, and have a seat.”  

Tim sat down in time to hear, “The talk’s about deceit.”

Hmm… So what is this about? That’s exactly what Tim wondered.

Tim swallowed hard, deciding to listen for a while.

A boy in glasses chimed in, “It’s really not my style

To force my view on someone,” he laughed, “but I would lie

If I thought I’d get ahead of every other guy.”

Okay, point one. Apparently, when it comes to deceit, this boy viewed it as a valuable tool in getting ahead. Some people might agree with that thinking – as long as they’re the one that got ahead because of it. If they’re the one that gets aced out by someone who lied about… whatever; then probably not such a good deal.

A couple of people spoke after the boy in glasses. One girl questioned the standard of his personal opinion, while another person endorsed it. But what seems to have been the uniting factor for the group was, yes, you guessed it: bobbles.

Well, there you have it. When the standard of behavior is based on a deceitful endeavor, “It’s all about the bobbles!” then you might as well make up your own rules. Especially when you are so saturated in self-delusion that you believe the BIG lie that “tempters are for us.”

I’m afraid that was sort of what I did as a teen. I don’t say that with pride, but with humiliation. I disregarded the truth that I knew in order to play a game of getting along with the ways of the world. I’m grateful beyond words that God gave me a wake up call – many of them, in fact – and brought me back to my senses. More important, back to Him. And back to a love of the truth of His Word.

It was a dark, unsatisfying place to be when I tried to live according to what was false, fragile, and fleeting. Been there, done that, NEVER want to go back.

So, anyone out there caught up in a no-win game of deception? Not just what “the world” is telling you, but what you’re choosing to conveniently believe? All I can say is; what a waste of time, energy, and the amazing grace that God offers. Open up the Bible and know that it is the very truth of God. Turn to Him in humility, seek His forgiveness, and believe on His Son Jesus Christ who paid for our sins so we could be free.

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)