No one likes to be lied to, or to be cheated out of what they deserve. If this is so regarding worldly matters, how much more so spiritual concerns.
This concerned Paul, and he warned about those who would come in and do this to his brethren. He wrote in Colossians 2, “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. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power” (8-10).
As is so often the case in spiritual matters, the cheating and lying come from an adoption of the views or opinions of men rather than that of God. This can happen in myriad ways. For example, some did and still do deny that Jesus Christ is the Anointed of God. The Bible says He is. “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). If anyone comes to you and does not accept Jesus’ testimony of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6), he is trying to deceive you, and rob you of your eternal standing with God. There is no doubt that Jesus is God’s unique redeemer of men. The proof? “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we (the apostles) are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32).
Another way we are cheated is by others seeking to establish their own righteousness rather than submitting to God’s word. It is wrong for us to with arrogance assume God will be pleased with our worship unless it is He who directed it! “…no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:11). Jesus made clear, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). There is no room for the traditions of men in our worship or lives as Christians. Jesus is our Lord, we are to follow His will. Anyone who says differently is robbing you of your hope of pleasing Him.
Finally, at least for this article, is the deceitful appeal of humanism. Many men truly want to be unshackled from the burden of the concept of God. They want to be their own master, and think the Bible, or the concept of God is superstitious nonsense. This is a primary reason why our culture today is so defiled! As Paul wrote, “And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting” (Romans 1:28). The man who says there is no God is deluded, and wants to delude you, cheating you out of your hope!
