Human and divine perspectives

DECEPTION

First of three parts

Deceiving self and others is part of the human psyche. Even when children’s play gets rough, and one bleeds or cries, they will try to shift blame when parents ask questions.

Playing down one’s own mistake, and exaggerating someone else’s, is a form of deception. It started with Adam and Eve, and it has been used by every human since then, including many of today’s politicians.

Spinning the facts to one’s own favour usually involves withholding some facts (disinformation), and distorting the facts given (misinformation). This deceit is more prevalent during wars and elections.

Although deception is as old as humanity, Jesus said it will increase in the end time (Matt. 24, Mark 13, Luke 21). Paul emphasized that the man of sin (Antichrist) will deceive unbelievers, who will be so deluded that they will believe the lie and reject the truth (2 Thess. 2:1-12).

John saw in a vision how the beasts from the sea and from the land (Antichrist and false prophet) will deceive unbelievers, who will — enchanted! — follow and worship these imposters (Rev. 13).

The struggle for the truth south of the border may be a prelude to darker times. It is hard to tell who is the main source of fake news: mass media, social media, the new administration, the CIA, the FBI, the Kremlin or WikiLeaks. Each of them presumes to be truthful, but apparently, each of them twists the truth a bit in their own favour.

The borders between countries have been redrawn many times in the past. When a piece of land has changed hands often, who is the real owner? Cologne (Köln) has been part of France and Germany. Eastern European countries, the Middle East and Africa have had many border changes. Bishop Tutu said of multiple owner rights in South Africa, “One cannot unscramble an egg.”

On websites and social media anyone can promote any idea. Searching for information has become an exercise in discernment. One must scrutinize various sources in deciding which are the most credible and reliable.

Truth is highly valued in the Bible. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are associated with truth, and Satan with lies (John 17:17, 14:6 and 17, 8:44). Therefore, God’s book is also presented as truth (Psalms 19 and 119). The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth (John 1). To emphasize, Jesus often said, “Truly, truly, I say to you…” The Rider on the white horse is called Faithful and True, the Word of God (Rev. 19:11-13).

Rejecting or neglecting God’s truth may become a costly mistake. People will be judged by their words and by God’s word (|Matt. 12:37, John 12: 48).