By Steve A. Hamilton

“We missed you at services,” commented a concerned Christian to another member.

“Who said I wasn’t at church?” came the irritated reply.

“Oh, did you go elsewhere to church?”

“The Bible says, where two or more of you are gathered together in my name, I am with you.”

“Are you saying you had services in your home?”

“Why are you asking anyway?”

This conversation illustrates the purposeful effort of one member to deceive another member.  Most Christians understand that lying is a sin (Col. 3:9).  Unfortunately, not all Christians understand that deceit is also a sin.  “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit.” (1 Peter 3:10)     

Deceit is a sin that is practiced by the unrighteous.  The apostle Paul lists the sin of deceit among the many sins common to a wicked world in Romans 1:29-32.  In fact, Paul also said that such people who practice deceit deserve death.  Obviously, deceiving should not be named among Christians.

Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:6-7, “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  Therefore do not be partakers with them.” He also wrote these words in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” 

Deceit is not authorized by Christ.  It is something that is commonly taught among people who think it is necessary to succeed in this world.  College philosophy classes tout deceit as a polite means of avoiding trouble.  But Paul says deceit will cheat us and cause the wrath of God to come upon those who practice it. 

Jesus told us to be people of our word.  “But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:37)  When someone asks us an honest question, we should give an honest reply.  Trying to deceive only demonstrates our effort to be evil.  “If we say that we have fellowship with Him [God], and walk in darkness we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1 John 1:6)

Last modified: 05/02/08