Several Lies Worth Believing

By uss_dad, on April 19th, 2011

In the course of a single day, every one of us has a myriad of ideas going through our heads that are untrue. Even so, we’ll waste a lot of time and energy contemplating them while at the same time being unaware just where each idea stands on the truth-scale. Take for example, the innocent thoughts like “I need a cup of coffee right now,” or “I could sure stand to lose 20 pounds.” Some self-imposed accusations are destructive, others not. In the paragraphs following, I am going to suggest several lies that you should take to heart. Literally. I know that sounds strange, but each one of these will impact your life for the better.

My Spouse Always Loves Me

Chuckle chuckle, I know. None of us is lovable all of the time. But it is very hard to return love or demonstrate love to someone else when you are thinking that they don’t love or like you. In contrast, if someone genuinely shows you love, how much easier it is to show love and share a kind word in return. I know for myself, I am far too quick and calculating when it comes to detailed discussions. It’s the engineer-part in me. But if I would truly remember (believe) that my wife loves me unconditionally, I know that would help me take my tempo down a notch or two. I need to believe that Linda loves me unconditionally every day.

There are 6 Days in a Week, Not 7

Our society has convinced most of us to run pedal to the metal every day of the week, Sunday included. It’s easy to fall into that trap. I know God had something else in mind when he gave us the 4^th commandment to honor the Sabbath and keep it holy. Could it be that we really do need a day of rest? When the next Monday rolls around and you find yourself already spent, think twice about organizing your week around 6 days. And as for that 7^th day, how about taking time for church, time for family, and time for rest. Time for rest is not a sign of old age, rather, it is a sign of wisdom.

I Can Lose My Salvation

The Bible is very clear on this subject; we cannot lose our salvation once we have genuinely believed in Jesus. But just like any other thing, if I am afraid of losing it, I will be more attentive to take care of it and keep it close by. I never want to take my salvation for granted.

I Have Plenty of Money

This is tough one I know. Every one of us is chasing the dollar. I have likened these last few years of my own life as my “days with manna from heaven,” just like when the Israelites were wandering around the wilderness for 40 years. My “burden” is far lighter of course, but just like the manna of the Old Testament, God has been an incredible provider for my family and me without ceasing. Just like manna, I keep trying to get further ahead and save extra manna (i.e., money) from today for the future but it immediately rots away; God says, “Trust me with your future.” Sometimes, I let myself think that my palate needs something other than manna (provisions from God), but then I realize that I am mistaken. The bottom line is this: If God is truly my provider, I have all the money that I will ever need right now.

I Will Live Forever

None of us are going to live forever here on earth as humans, and so we run around like crazy trying to jam more and more stuff into every day, and into every year. Don’t get me wrong, I think that Facebook is great, but it just oozes with “hey look at me, look at what I’ve done” aspects of life. We’re always racing. Randy Alcorn lays a great foundation for what he terms the principle of continuation in his best-selling book titled Heaven. In a nutshell, he argues that our eternal lives in heaven will be a shadow of the good things that we did in God’s name while on earth. We could all be more focused on who we are becoming more than what we are doing.

What other lies worth believing have I missed? My golden retriever Cody loves me every day–no, that is for certain.

Karen Greenberg

April 20, 2011 at 5:28 PM · Reply

I love the idea of planning around six days instead of seven. We DO all live crazy lives of running, running, running. It’s amazing how much more I get done, though, when I PLAN to have time to relax and recharge.

Sonia

April 21, 2011 at 9:41 AM · Reply

My Spouse Loves me really got me. When I started dating my boyfriend, he has so much bitterness inside him from past hurts and past relationships. It took 4 yrs to break through that brick wall he was hiding behind and he now knows I really love him. I live by: Actions speak louder then words, and its so true when it comes to love. A person can say it all day long, but if a person doesn’t see it, they won’t feel it.

uss_mom

April 21, 2011 at 10:22 AM · Reply

Any walls we put up must be broken down if trust can flourish in a healthy relationship. Cheers to you and yours!

Bethanie

April 22, 2011 at 10:52 AM · Reply

Ditto on the spouse/ love lie. It stopped me in my tracks. It is so hard to practise/remember to show love when you feel it is not noticed or returned. Great post. I’ll be thinking about this for awhile.
-Bethanie