The lie of significance

The lie of temptation is that sin offers something equal to truth. The lie of sin is that it is more significant than God's Word. Temptation is full of subtle propositions that this one thing could be as paradigm-altering as the grace poured out over-abundantly into our lives. What would happen to the soul-wrenching temptations of our lives if we paraded them in tandem with the truth of God's promises?

Truth: "For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:20). The price paid on our behalf to ransom us out of shame, sin, and death was the precious blood of the Lamb, imperishable, incorruptible, freely given for love without measure. Love of you. We are bought back. Redeemed.

Lie: This guy could love me like that. The blood of the Lamb isn't quite as valuable as blue eyes.

Truth: When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:33-34a).

Lie: What she has done is worse. I can't forgive that.

Truth: "Who is like You among the gods, O Lord?
            Who is like You, majestic in holiness,
            Awesome in praises, working wonders?" (Exodus 15:11)

Lie: I would make a better god than Him.

When we examine the lies of sin through a divine perspective, we see that they are absolute foolishness. Who would trade the priceless, matchless love of a sacrificing Savior for the cheap, shallow, affection of an imperfect human being? Who could not forgive when we understand the vast, un-crossable canyon of crimes no longer held against us? When confronted with a God of infinite power displayed in matchless miracles, and grace-filled blessings, who could find a better master?

Yet somehow, we still believe the lies. Let us be refined for the sake of our redeeming, forgiving, wondrous God. Let us call sin what it is, expose that it is nothing compared to grace, and stand in the freedom of holiness.

What lies has sin whispered in your ear? What truth can set you free?