Speak TruthSample

The Devil’s Playground

Let’s now consider what Jesus says about lying. John 8:31-47 describes Jesus warning a group of Jews, and the conversation quickly turned into a theological debate about who their father was. They claimed to be “sons of their father Abraham.” Jesus replied, “You are sons of your father.” He was well aware they were rejecting His message that He was God’s Son. He confronted them with their beliefs. “For you are the children of your father the devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning. He has always hated the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies. (John 8:44 NLT) He was truthful with all boldness and addressed their heart condition!

Jesus issued a stern warning. Satan is the “father of lies”; he is the original liar. He is known as “father of lies” just as Martin Luther is known as “Father of the Reformation” and Elon Musk is known as “Father of Space X and Tesla.” In the Garden of Eden, Satan told the first lie to Eve, who fell for his deception (Genesis 3:1-4), and she later shared the lie with Adam, leading to their sin which affected all of humanity.

Lies and deception are the Devil’s pastime. Satan’s primary weapon against God’s children is deception. He employs a devious and cunning strategy to separate God’s people from our Heavenly Father. He exclaims, “There is no God.” “God is unconcerned about you.” “The Bible is just a book of fairy tales.” Or “Your good works will get you into Heaven.” He is the angel of darkness, so he preys upon our human reasoning.

Lies don’t lay a solid foundation; truth does. It makes no difference whether the lies are big or small. Lies are the work of the Devil. Being truthful flies in the face of Satan. Your lies will eventually catch up with you. Our freedom in Christ provides us with an open path to all truth. Don’t mess around on the Devil’s playground. Fight the good fight of faith, stand firm for truth, and resist Satan’s lies. Tell the truth in every situation and defend the truth as much as you can.

Have you played on the Devil's playground?