Deception is the distortion of facts or withholding information with the purpose of misleading, mishandling, or mismanaging the lives and relationships of others.xiii This negative influence occurs when we partner with a false conception of reality. It is often said, “Lies are like wishes,” we are deceived by things we wish were true, but we know in our hearts that they are far from the truth. Common indicators of deception in our lives are the desire to live from fantasy, the failure to face reality, and the choice of disobedience rather than walking in God’s light.
In many ministry sessions, I have witnessed the work of this negative influence in the lives of those seeking freedom and emotional healing through the following indicators:
Unwillingness to take responsibility – we may frequently shift blame, make excuses, or partner with a victim mentality to avoid owning up to past mistakes or shortcomings.
Lack of Consistency in actions, speech, and decisions—our words often do not match our actions, or they regularly contradict themselves due to hiding or manipulating facts to conform to different situations.
Discomfort with transparency—we may avoid direct answers by sidestepping questions to control what others know, keeping motives or actions hidden from being exposed.
Constant distortion of truth—We may exaggerate details, leaving out key parts of our story or twisting information to shape how others perceive situations or individuals. This behavior commonly reflects a tendency to prioritize self-image or dishonesty, leading to a pattern of dishonest communication.
The negative influence of deception and lying is overcome in our willingness to accept God’s truth (Scripture, His promises to us, and our Identity in Jesus Christ) and apply it to our daily lives.
Questions to Ask:
Do you feel like you believe things that you shouldn’t?
Are their thoughts or ideas that cause you emotional turmoil?
Have you believed any of the following thought patterns or ideas?
There are no spiritual or natural consequences to sin patterns.
Coping with stress/anxiety via food, entertainment, and substances will provide emotional release.
Agreeing, viewing, partnering with ideas, and carnality won’t affect my relationship with God.
God is the cause of the emotional pain/wounding I face.
I can be successful without anyone’s help.
I have to protect myself through emotional regression and isolation.
What solutions have you tried to overcome deception/lying?
Are there any lies you are believing about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by deception/lying?
Connected Influences: Cheating, confusion, denial, family secrets, fraudulence, infidelity, self-deception, trickery, minimizing, secretiveness, untrustworthiness.
Scriptural Truth:
“As long as I live, while I have breath from God, 4 my lips will speak no evil, and my tongue will speak no lies.” (Job 27:3-4)
“He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is!” (Deuteronomy 32:4)
“People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.” (Proverbs 10:19)
“Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed. 20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace!” (Proverbs 12:19-20)
“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.” (Ephesians 4:25)
How to Pray for Breakthrough from Deception and Lying:
You may pray aloud, using each step below:
REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"
RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."
"Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”
"Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"
REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”
Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).
RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"
What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)
You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.
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