Identifying Lies and Nurturing Key Truths

How do we identify lies?

We start to see what people truly believe through their actions. Many will tell you that all are valuable, but the way they treat people with disabilities (for instance) tells a very different story. A church may say they believe that they are to bring glory to God through their good deeds, but have one “serving Sunday” a year. Their actions make it clear that serving is not that important to them. Since our beliefs impact our behavior, our behavior also displays our beliefs.

Another great way to identify lies is asking lots of “why” questions and listening. The In His Image program trains churches in India to love and care for people with disabilities. They began by asking the churches what keeps them from welcoming in differently-abled people. Church leaders responded, “The church should be a place of reverence, so disruptive behavior draws people away from God,” and “The differently-abled make others uncomfortable.” So In His Image included in the curriculum stories about Jesus’ interactions with all sorts of disruptive people and questions about God’s intentions for the Church (is it meant to be a comfortable club?).

Key Truths That Overcome Common Lies

Once we identify the specific lies that are holding a group of people in brokenness, we can look to scripture for the truth that can set them free. While scripture is too rich with truth to condense into bullet points, there are some key truths that are critical to the flourishing of society. When people grasp these simple truths, it brings dramatic change. They fit into a few basic areas:

• God: God cares for us personally, His concern is for every area of life, and He desires our flourishing. God is still loving and present in every circumstance. He has good plans for us, and He invites us to be part of them.
• Humankind: All are made in the image of God, therefore all have equal value. God doesn’t favor men or whites, the highly talented, the successful, or the high caste. We are also all unique. We all have different gifts, talents, and abilities that God intends us to steward wisely in order to serve our families, the church, our communities, and vulnerable people.
• Creation: We are called to steward creation. We are to work and use all that God has given us to create bounty in order to meet our families’ needs and to bless others. Resources are not limited. As we use what we have for God’s glory, we will see it multiply. As we give generously, we will be blessed, so that we can be a blessing to others. We should use our God-given creativity and talents to bring the flourishing God intends.
• The Church: The Church is Christ’s bride and body. It is immensely loved. It is meant to reflect Christ through its good deeds. The purpose of local churches is not only to seek the spiritual redemption of their communities, but to see God’s Kingdom built as all aspects of life are aligned to God’s will.

Nurturing Truth

Changing long-held beliefs takes time and the Holy Spirit’s intervention. However, the tools to help change beliefs are relatively simple…

Teaching –  Introducing new ideas starts the process of changing beliefs. Teaching should focus on the relevant truths, rather than on the lies we seek to overcome. The training we bring must also be practical. If our teaching is going to bring change, we need to help people have clear next steps to apply the new truth they have learned. Since experience, not information alone, changes beliefs, what is the smallest, easiest first action they can do to experience what you are teaching?

For example, through In His Image, we teach the truth that all people are made in the image of God, for a purpose, and with potential. But we take it a step further. We help churches think about practical steps they can take to be involved with differently-abled people—like holding a fun day for siblings who are often neglected or visiting and drinking tea with a mother who is overwhelmed and depressed.

Role Models and Testimonies – As one person, church, or community makes changes, others see the impact of that change and start to accept the same truths. Don’t be discouraged if you find yourself starting with only a few people. A few lives, powerfully changed, can be a powerful example of what’s possible. Capturing and sharing their stories can help inspire many.

God’s Intervention – However well we prepare our lessons, however many stories and testimonies we share, ultimately it is God who is able to change people’s deepest beliefs.

Only God can cause truth to penetrate hearts and minds and to transform lives. He’s at work revealing His truth in so many ways that are outside of our control. We must saturate our work in prayer, knowing that Satan will not easily let his lies fall away, but that we serve a God who has the power to overcome those lies with truth.