We all have a worldview\u2014a set of conscious and subconscious beliefs through which we see and interpret life. Worldview determines how we view God, ourselves, truth, and reality. It colors our understanding of history and shapes our values. When we accept Christ as Savior and Lord, the Holy Spirit begins to transform our worldview\u2014removing beliefs contrary to truth and instilling convictions that align with God\u2019s will and Word. This transformative journey is guided by three truths about God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Truth #1: God is good. The first lie Satan persuaded Adam and Eve to accept was \u201cGod is not good.\u201d He didn\u2019t use those words, probably because they would\u2019ve rejected such a bald-faced lie. Instead, Satan planted doubt in their minds: \u201cDid God actually say \u2026\u201d He then provided the couple with a reason God wasn\u2019t who they thought He was: \u201cGod knows that when you eat of [the fruit] of the tree \u2026 your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil\u201d (Genesis 3:5). In essence, Satan said, \u201cGod\u2019s holding out on you! How can He be good if He denies you such a valuable gift?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Satan never has to change his tactics. He still whispers to us, \u201cGod\u2019s holding out on you!\u201d That\u2019s why clinging to the truth that God is good is vital. Jesus said, \u201cNo one is good except God alone\u201d (Mark 10:18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Truth #2: God loves you. If we begin to doubt God\u2019s goodness, the next step is doubting His love. How could God love us if He withholds good things from us? That\u2019s one reason the Bible often pairs God\u2019s goodness with His love. Many psalmists use the refrain \u201cGive thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever\u201d (e.g. Psalm 100, 106, 107, 118, 136). The Hebrew word for God\u2019s steadfast, unchanging love\u2014hesed\u2014is used over 250 times in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, John declared, \u201cAnd so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love\u201d (1 John 4:16). God never changes. Don\u2019t let Satan\u2019s lie\u2014\u201cGod doesn\u2019t love you\u201d\u2014detour your faith journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Truth #3. God\u2019s plans are best. Because God is good and loves us, we can count on Him to design and implement plans for us that reflect those truths. Satan whispers, \u201cYou know best. You can figure life out on your own.\u201d But if we cling to Truth #1 and Truth #2, we\u2019ll reject those lies. Proverbs 3:5\u20136 gives sound counsel: \u201cTrust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.\u201d Two meanings of the word acknowledge are \u201cto recognize the rights, authority, or status of\u201d and \u201cto express gratitude or obligation for.\u201d If we recognize the authority of our good, loving God and consistently express our gratitude to Him through obedience, we\u2019ll be willing to say, as Jesus did, \u201cNot my will but yours, O God\u201d (Luke 22:42).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, how is your faith journey going? Are you stumbling along, taking too many detours or encountering too many obstacles? Have you been listening to Satan\u2019s lies rather than clinging to God\u2019s truth? Examine your worldview. Talk to God about any doubts you have. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead the way on your journey from Satan\u2019s lies to God\u2019s truth.<\/p>\n