Untying the Rope of Lies

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…Ephesians 6:13-14

I remember the first time I read the above verses. I sat on an old red velvet cushioned wooden pew at my neighbor’s church during Vacation Bible School. Attentive, I watched as other children displayed decorative cardboard garments to demonstrate the armor of God. When explaining truth, the teacher told us that it meant to never lie and to also know that God’s word is true. And to be honest, I didn’t give it much more thought.

However, this past year, the pursuit of truth has become a passion of mine. After years of believing lies about myself and my value to God, I emerged from a suffocating and grimy pit of rubbish. Brushing off the debris and wiping the mud from my eyes, I was ready to hear, see, and embrace the truth about God’s love for me.

The lies I fell for were numerous, but the one that taunted me on a daily basis was that I was a loser. I dubbed myself a “loser wife,” “loser mommy,” “loser housekeeper,” and a “loser Christian.” I also believed that I had somehow been created deficient.

I believed that God loved me as a child loves her stick figure drawings, but that His formal gallery showcased far superior work. Although the rare beauty of truth was gifted to me, I viewed myself an unworthy owner. So I took it, yet instead of wearing it, I hid it in a closet.

Instead of adorning myself with the beautiful jeweled belt God gave to me, I chose to wear a dowdy rope around my waist. A rope made of old lies forged in the pit of Hell, was my accessory. When I think about those images, I close my eyes, hang my head, and inhale a deep breath of air.

I knew the One who is the truth. Yet, until I understood the truth about who I was in Him, my witness to others was tainted. That is why truth is key to win the every day battles we face. We are slammed on an every day basis too aren’t we? The world tells us that outward beauty is everything, that intelligence depends on degrees and career placement, and that wealth is strictly material. We’re told that we need to do more, buy more, and earn more. But those are lies.

Here is some truth from the Book of Truth …

You are loved, accepted, and treasured by the most powerful being in the universe. You were bought by the blood of Christ, and that’s a currency that never drops in value. You were not meant to wallow in false guilt, regret, or agonizing wounds of the past. Instead, you were created to serve the Alpha and Omega, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. There is no greater calling.

1) What lies do you believe about yourself?
2) What are some practical ways to combat these lies?

Here are a few verses to look up that may help you understand your identity in Christ.
John 1:12, 1 Cor. 6:19, 20, Col.2:10, and Matt. 5:13-14.