We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum. A.W. Tozer
Therefore let God-inspired Scripture decide between us; and on whichever side be found doctrines in harmony with the word of God, in favor of that side will be cast the vote of truth. --Basil of Caesarea
Once you learn to discern, there's no going back. You will begin to spot the lie everywhere it appears.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. 1 Timothy 1:12

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Deception

I just finished the book, Operation Mincemeat, by Ben Macintyre, which is about an incident in World War II where the British totally deceived the Germans as to the invasion of Sicily.  Macintyre had a very interesting observation about deception, which I think is just as appropriate for discussing false teachings.

"Deception is a sort of seduction.  In love and war, adultery and espionage, deceit can only succeed if the deceived party is willing, in some way, to be deceived."

And, as I have mentioned before, once people are deceived they will often remain deceived due to their investment in whatever it is they are following - "deception by investment."  People who want to be deceived are often hard nuts to crack with the truth.  But we must keep trying to do so, nevertheless.

2 comments:

ali said...

The LORD told Ezekiel:

"...you are living among a rebellious people. They have eyes to see but do not see and ears to hear but do not hear, for they are a rebellious people."

Yet - we do not read where our LORD told Ezekiel - enough, remain silent. We too are called to sound the alarm and like Ezekiel we must leave the results with God.

Emily said...

So true that it can be applied to false teachings.

In the past, I let myself be made silent about lies that I saw. But then I decided, "no more!"

It is as Watchman said.