the first lie
"Who is the liar? He who denies that Jesus is the Christ." —1 John 2:22 "Who are you?" —John 1:19
As we begin this new year, a number of people are lying to us about Jesus. Many of them lie to us not by blaspheming the name of Jesus but by omitting it. They imply that we don't have to mention Jesus in everything. They imply that Jesus is not the Lord of all. In effect, they deny that Jesus is Lord and God. Read the front-page stories. Is Jesus mentioned? Turn on the TV. Is His name mentioned in love, in vain, or not at all? Bring up Jesus at work. The silent liars will become more obvious.
If we believe the vocal and silent lies about Jesus, we will then believe a whole pack of lies about ourselves. Because our true identity is based on our relationship with Jesus, we don't know ourselves if we don't know Jesus.
If we don't know Jesus and ourselves, we have very little idea of what life is all about. We'll believe in "new age" witchcraft, abortion, euthanasia, homosexual activity, promiscuity, goddess worship, etc. We'll believe in Communism, the Third Reich, Planned Parenthood, or unbridled capitalism. If we don't stand for Jesus, we'll fall for anything.
If we accept the lies about Jesus, we will live a lie. Accept Jesus, the Truth (Jn 14:6).
Prayer: Father, may I be true to You.
Promise: "As His anointing teaches you about all things and is true — free from any lie — remain in Him as that anointing taught you." —1 Jn 2:27
Praise: Basil and two of his brothers served Jesus as bishops.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our book, The Truth Will Set You Free, and our leaflet, Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, June 1, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 9, 1997