Today, let’s continue our review of Dr. Chris Thurman’s book entitled “The Lies We Believe,” as we look at chapter 6 to identify some common lies we believe about LIFE, and the corresponding biblical truths that displace those lies and lead to freedom.
1) You should always think positively (actually a lie). But here are two truths to displace this lie:
Think as mature adults, properly discerning what is true.
1 Corinthians 14:20 AMPC Brethren, do not be children [immature] in your thinking; continue to be babes in [matters of] evil, but in your minds be mature [men].
We are to focus on what is true - whether it be positive or not.
Philippians 4:8 HCSB Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.
This first one really hits home with me. I have a tendency to always put a positive spin on everything in my mind – even to the extent of ignoring the truth in front of me at times. But that is immature thinking. It can even lead to causing hurt and harm. Although the Scriptures exhort us to find the elements of good and honor and beauty in the situations we encounter, it should be done with integrity, honesty and realism.
2) Life should be fair and easy (a lie). But here are 3 corresponding truths :
I am a foreigner in this world. My permanent, eternal citizenship is in heaven. I should not expect royal treatment in this world.
1 Peter 2:11 NIV Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.
Life is not easy. Many things are not in my control. The world brings me many trials and distresses. But Jesus brings me His peace.
John 16:33 AMPC I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Life is not fair.
Ecclesiastes 8:14 HCSB There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve.
3) You shouldn’t have to wait for what you want (a lie). But here are 4 truths to displace this lie:
Waiting on God to fulfill our desires produces strength of character, and endurance.
Isaiah 40:31 NASB Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Galatians 6:9 ESV And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Waiting on God to fulfill our desires reinforces our faith in God.
Matthew 6:31-33 AMPC Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? (32) For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. (33) But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
Waiting on God to fulfill our desires produces patience. It keeps us from justifying our impulsive and self-gratifying nature.
Psalm 37:7, 9 NASB Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. (9) For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.
Lamentations 3:25 HCSB The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.
Waiting on God to fulfill our desires produces appreciation.
Psalm 9:1 AMPC I WILL praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all Your marvelous works and wonderful deeds!
4) You shouldn't judge anyone (actually a lie). But the truth is:
I must first examine and judge myself, and adopt an attitude of humility, and then I am postured to judge others without arrogance and with proper motives, when required to "defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.” (Psalm 82:3)
Matthew 7:1-5 NASB "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. (2) For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. (3) Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (4) Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? (5) You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.”
Romans 12:3 ESV For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.
Proverbs 31:9 HCSB Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.
O God, when we find ourselves thinking one of these lies, please bring to our mind the corresponding biblical truths that will displace the lie and lead us to the freedom that You have designed for us to walk in – by the power of Your indwelling Holy Spirit.
Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”