We are incredibly gifted at making the worst choice seem like the best choice. Our sinful tendencies—our flesh—can easily make the least satisfying way, seem appetizing (Gal. 5:17). You might say our flesh advertises like it’s serving a Stony River steak, but in reality it always serves Taco Bell “meat.” That’s why it’s so important that we learn to pinpoint the types of lies we tell ourselves. If we identify the lies we tell ourselves, we’ll be able to live lives more in touch with reality.
This is one of the reasons I’m so thankful for passages like Galatians 5:16-25. When a careful reading of this passage is coupled with an awareness of the tendencies of our hearts, we can identify the following four lies we all tend to tell ourselves.
Lie #1: Our Sin Isn’t As Bad As “Their” Sin – We all tend to minimize the seriousness of our sin and maximize the seriousness of other people’s sins. We look down on the people who sin differently than us. Yet, when you look at the list of sins in passages like Galatians 5:19-21, it’s hard not to notice that “outbursts of anger” are put on the same level of “sexual immorality.” All of these, the Apostle Paul says, are serious enough to keep you from inheriting “the kingdom of God.” That’s serious stuff. The Apostle Paul was an equal opportunity offender. The Spirit helps us see the seriousness of our sins as well as others. This, in turn, helps us not waste our days thinking as much about the problems of others as much as we are reveling in the grace of God shown to us.
Lie #2: Our Plans Are Better Than God’s Plans – We don’t often articulate this lie but our emotions often show us we believe it. While the Apostle Paul says that we should be marked by “peace,” most of us live anxious lives. We’re anxious that our careers won’t go the way we want them too. We’re anxious that our love lives won’t work out like we think they should. We’re anxious about our health. We’re anxious about our church. We wonder if we’ll make budget. We’re an anxious people. But God wants us to be a peaceful people. The Spirit empowers us to be a peaceful people. When we are anxious about some potential outcome, we show that we believe God won’t get it right. The presence of anxiety in us shows the absence of our confidence in him. This anxious thinking comes natural and it points to a lie we believe. His plans are best, so trust him. When you do, you’ll be able to walk in peace.
Lie #3: We Can Pick And Choose Which Parts Of The Fruit Of The Spirit To Embody – The Apostle Paul doesn’t say “fruits” of the Spirit, he says the “fruit” of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). We all naturally look like we embody one or two of the characteristics on the “fruit of the Spirit” list, but it takes the work of the Spirit to cause all of the traits to be present. Self-controlled people are often impatient with people who are not. Self-controlled people are often missing peace about the areas they can’t control, like the upcoming work presentation, relational difficulty, health concern, or how their kids will do. We all seem to embody one or two of these, but it’s just flesh with a tuxedo on. It takes a real work of the Spirit to be marked by all of these at the same time. That’s the kind of change God’s after. Don’t settle for less.
Lie #4: The Presence Of The Fruit Of The Spirit In Our Lives Requires The Right Circumstances – The Apostle Paul says that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are present because of the work of the Spirit. He doesn’t say that they show up when our circumstances are just right. While we might come out and say that, our excuses indicate we believe it. “I didn’t get enough sleep.” “I just have a lot on my plate.” “My kids are wearing me out.” “I’ll treat her that way when she treats me the right way.” Whether your getting the recognition you think you deserve or not; whether you think you’re getting treated the way you think or not; the Scriptures say that the Spirit is seeking to produce his fruit in your life. Don’t wait for the perfect circumstance to be marked by the Spirit’s fruit. Focus on the perfect grace of God in the midst of your imperfect circumstances and watch the Spirit work.
When we’re able to identify some of the lies we tell ourselves, we put ourselves in a better position to walk in touch with reality, experience a more satisfying life, and help others do the same. Ask God to help you see the areas where you might believe these lies. Ask him to help you break free from them so that you can bring him greater glory and the world greater good.
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