I am very blessed to be part of a family of believers. With this comes family members who can encourage you biblically. Just the other day, I had a great conversation with my brother – full of encouragement – and boy did I need it. Our conversation then shifted into a discussion about lies that people mistakenly believe about being a Christian. These lies are very dangerous. If believed as true, one’s faith can be shaken the moment life contradicts these myths. One might wonder why such things are happening, question if they really hear God, and potentially even question His existence. A downhill spiral of discouragement and confusion could follow.
In order to prevent this disaster, I devote this blog to some common lies Christians believe.
- Opposition must mean that God is telling you no.
False. In many instances, opposition and/or delay is often the biggest confirmation that we are doing exactly what God has instructed us to do. The enemy hates our obedience, and he will do anything to derail God’s plan for our life. Very often, we abandon what we’ve been asked to do the moment things become difficult. We think that surely God doesn’t want us to continue down this path if it is paved with opposition.
Don’t be hasty. It so important to pray for discernment to determine if God is closing the door, if the enemy is just trying to discourage you, or if God is checking to see if you will remain obedient when obstacles are placed in your path.
- Everything good is from God.
Lie. If we truly believe this, we will spend our lives down a fruitless path pursuing things God never intended for us. God has a specific plan and purpose for each of our lives, uniquely designed for us. He wants us to follow that path, not chase every good thing we see. We can’t allow the enticement of good things get in the way of the best things God has planned for us.
“Just because it's good doesn't mean it is God. But if it's God, it's always good.” – Kip Anderson
- The Christian life is paved with comfort.
Big Lie. This is one of the biggest misconceptions Christians believe. We think that as soon as we become Christians, life is going to become easy. Life gets simpler, but certainly not easier. In fact, we are to expect trials and persecutions. But, by placing our hope and confidence in Jesus Christ, He will get us through any hardship life sends our way.
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. – 1 Peter 4:12-13
- We will no longer struggle with sin once we commit our lives to the Lord.
Wrong. It takes a moment to become a Christian, but a lifetime to become like Christ. None of us are without sin, but His grace is enough to cover it all. That is why Jesus’s death on the cross is so powerful. It sets us free and gives us the power to overcome the temptation of sin. Be encouraged. Being tempted in and of itself is not a sin, but allowing it to manifest in action is. God always gives you a way out. Take it!
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Your sin is too big for God to forgive.
This is the biggest lie of the enemy spoken to both Christians and non-Christians alike. The last thing he wants you to do is submit your life to the Lord. So, the enemy tells us we are not worthy or good enough to draw near to God. He spews lies that we’ve passed the threshold of forgiveness, that our deeds are just too despicable, or that God is too angry with us to have a relationship with Him.
If this sounds like something you are struggling with, silence these lies now in the name of Jesus! Jesus longs for a relationship with all of us. His hope is that all come to salvation in Him.
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. – Romans 10:13
