There are two languages in the world: lies and truth. Before I became a Christian, I—like a lot of men—often lied, even when the truth could have served me better.

That’s because lying was my native tongue—it flowed freely from my lower nature. Jesus said it like this: “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. …  When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).

Understanding what’s at work and at stake makes lies #40 on my list of 70 things every man needs to know.

Becoming Bilingual in Truth

When we receive Christ, we learn a second language—the language of truth. But what happens to anyone who doesn’t regularly practice speaking their second language? They revert to their native tongue.

If we do not abide in Christ day by day, immersing ourselves in the language of truth, we will revert back to lies. You know this is true because you likely know self-deceived Christians who regularly lie to you—and not about little things.

Even more dangerous? We don’t just speak the language of lies; we believe the language of lies. And can build our lives around them.

How Good Lies Work

Here’s the problem: All men either live by the truth or by a good lie. No man—Christian or otherwise—will choose to live by an obvious lie. Which counterfeit dollar bill is most likely to make it into circulation? It’s the one that looks like the real thing.

A good lie is probably only one or two degrees off course. Otherwise men would reject it. The prosperity gospel comes to mind—the lie that God’s chief desire for us is financial wealth and physical health. Or a good lie about happiness might convince a man that he must have this salary or this car or this job to be happy. Good lies in all their various forms can make it easy to fall back into our native language.

Every day, we each go out into a world where we are tempted to exchange “the truth of God for a lie” (Romans 1:25).

The Discipler’s Challenge

As a discipler of men, it’s good to remember that for every truth you tell a man, he is hearing hundreds of lies—many of them good lies—throughout the week. With a barrage of false messages on our phone screens, TVs, podcasts, in our newspapers, and even from our friends, the “father of lies” wants us to believe that God isn’t capable of giving us true joy and contentment.

This is why we must speak truth to men as often as we can. Teach them to study God’s Word for themselves so they can become more fluent in their new language. And if someone wants more guidance on distinguishing truth from lies, my book The Four Voices can help them learn to recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit above the noise of the world, the enemy and their flesh.

Call to Action

This week, identify one “good lie” you’ve been tempted to believe. Ask God to replace it with the truth. Then, share that truth with your small group, a friend or your spouse.

Much love,

Pat

For reflection and discussion: 

1. What are some “good lies” that have sounded true to you in the past, and how did you eventually recognize them for what they were?
2. In what areas of your life do you still find it easy to speak your “native tongue,” and what would it look like to abide in Christ more fully?
3. How can we help each other become fluent in the language of truth in our small groups and friendships?