LIES AND SPIES

If you always told the truth and others did the same would there be any need for spies? That is probably one of those rhetorical questions since it is hardly likely in this life that such a condition would ever exists.

And even though the concept of deception doesn't necessarily have to relate to spying, we do know that the goal of a spy is, at least as far as I understand, to discover secrets. After all what reason would somebody have for spying in a place where you could just get the information by asking.

Now what as any of this to do with spiritual issues? I guess I was dwelling upon how deception and spying are far more prone with those who don't trust in the Lord. That might be a bit of a stretch, but it did occur to me recently how those who plot and plan without really trusting in God are more inclined to need a strategy for working with people. They can't do things out of honesty and they always have ulterior motives.

What gets to be such a pain is when they assign those same values others even when it isn't true. I can list all the times when I've been the victim of such paranoia.

As a rule I have no desires beyond the simple ones to survive another day and do whatever the Lord places on my heart. I'm not out to conquer the world or plot against others in the process.

So it is amazing to me the times when people sit down and conjure some bizarre notion that my actions in a given situation were intended strictly for the purpose of gain. Which points to the reality of how the person is human, but not necessarily listening to the Lord in such situations.

Lies will always exist. And some will pose as friends while the whole time seducing with false sincerity so they can plan to take advantage of others. They are spies of the heart, corrupt, greedy and without any conscience.

God knows the heart and can speak to our fears if we let him. But again he won't do that if our motives are simply to use the information to take advantage of others.

Sadly the time some people spend in analyzing information to uncovered plots is amazing. They can consume all kinds of energy simply from being convinced the world is planning their demise.

I am reminded how the scriptures declare that Satan is the father of lies. Deception helps to blind people to the truth. It appeals to their pride and selfishness.

Which should be a point of warning to us when we come to the point of thinking in terms of spies and lies. If we forget the word of God and allow such paranoia to have full reign over our senses it will lead us farther from the Lord in terms of trusting him. Hopefully, before we practice the need to lie, we remember the need to pray.