Living deceptively

You have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. — 2 Timothy 3:15

The year 2007 was labeled the “Year of Living Deceptively” for South Korea, because of the country’s numerous scandals involving fake academics and corrupt politicians. A survey of 340 professors selected the Chinese phrase “ja-gi-gi-in” (deceiving yourself and others) to sum up the year.

It should not surprise us to hear of deception like that. The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:13, “Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” To deceive is to make others believe falsehood as truth and accept wrong as right.

Our defense against deception is to know God’s Word, for “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction. For instruction in righteousness” (v. 16). Correction is to set right what is wrong, and instruction is to make known what is right. God’s Word not only makes us aware of wrongs, it also prompts and teaches us to do what is right.

Is your New Year’s resolution to walk rightly before God and others and to be “thoroughly equipped for every good work”? (v. 17). Then read and apply God’s Word, asking the Lord to make you a person of integrity. — Albert Lee

When reading God’s Word, take special care

To find the rich treasures hidden there;

Give thought to each truth, each precept hear,

Then practice it well with godly fear.— Anon.

READ: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

The more we meditate on Scripture, the more readily we’ll detect error.

The Bible in one year:

• Genesis 10-12

• Matthew 4