When I look back at my childhood, I perceive myself as being a relatively good kid. I was responsible, helpful, and kind. I had exemplary grades in school. I tried my hardest to follow instilled morals and values.

However, I remember lying to others to stay out of trouble, intentionally omitted details, and wanted to keep up appearances. At a young age I often blamed my sister {so sorry!} for faults I actually did. As I got older, I would tell my parents minimal details about where I was going or who I was going to be with so as to justify my case. Even older yet, I lied to my parents as to why I was out later than my typical work hours suggested.

I had good intentions of being well behaved and doing right. But, I was ultimately acting out of disobedience. My parents were my authority and had set rules for me. Even though lying doesn’t seem all that bad, it still went against their teachings. Once I became a victim to “little white lies”, it escalated into more habitual acts of disobedience.

The whole picture of disobedience traces back to the fall of Lucifer, who I now know as Satan. Lucifer was an angel who was overcome with pride. He vowed, I will make myself like the Most High!- Isaiah 14:14. He wanted power and authority over God. (Full Reference: Isaiah 14:12-21) Hence, disobeying the Creator that brought him into being.

With this very motivation of pride and Satan’s use of lies, we see the first human, Eve, falling into his temptation.

Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast.. which the Lord God had made. And he said.., “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” And the woman said.., “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” Then the serpent said.., “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.- Genesis 3:1-6

Eve, and her husband, Adam, were more than just relatively good people. They were made without sin, and in the image of God (Gen. 1:27)! God, was their Authority, who made one rule, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil..” (Genesis‬ 2:16-17).

The pride that propelled Satan’s fall, and the use of his deceptive ways ultimately lured Eve into her act of disobedience. Then, the same with Adam. Their good intentions of being well and doing right was now overcome with pride. Although they had much, they were deceived into having more food, that it was more pleasant, and they would become more wise.

My habitual lies were acts of disobedience- which were motivated by my own sinful pride. Although I had much in my favor, I was deceived in thinking I needed more rewards, being more justified, and faking to meet more expectations.

I’m happy to proclaim that lying is no longer a sinful act for me. In fact, I despise it. But, now, it’s easy to understand that any sinful act I commit is ultimately motivated by pride. It’s what caused the fall of my enemy, who lures me into any act of disobedience to God.

However, there’s a fine line between overcoming or being overcome. I have the choice to obey or disobey. And by being obedient to God’s truths I am given hope and promises for overcoming pride!

• Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly.. He who heeds the word wisely will find good..- Proverbs 16:18-20 (NKJV)

• ..And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.- 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
• If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.- 1 John 1:9 (NIV)

May I truly learn to despise all sinful acts and always seek to obey my Heavenly Father.

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“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”- John 14:15 (NKJV)