Joshua certainly set an example of living the spiritual rollercoaster we all experience. From the high of the conquest of Jericho to the low of defeat at AI … from the low of having “sin in the camp” to the high of victory and rededication. When Joshua depended on the Lord, things went well. When he made his own plans, things utterly fell apart.

After the defeat of AI, all the surrounding kings decided to join forces and make war against Joshua and Israel, except the people of Gibeon. The Gibeonites knew of all God had done for the Israelites from the exodus from Egypt to the defeat of AI. Rather than risk defeat, the Gibeonites deceived Joshua and convinced him they were from far away.

Joshua 9:14 sums it up: “The men of Israel sampled their provisions but did not inquire of the Lord” (emphasis mine).Once again, Joshua and the men of Israel were depending on their wisdom, their discernment and their observation—and once again it led to failure. The Gibeonites were wise. They thought of everything from old news to old clothes, moldy food to cracked wineskins. They pumped a little pride and success; the Israelite leaders were deceived.

Deception doesn’t come blaring a horn, bold print, headlines. It’s often quiet, obscure, with just enough truth that it “makes sense.”

As Christ followers, we have an enemy, an adversary who wants to destroy us. He wants to confuse us and lead us astray. The Bible says he is the father of lies. As Pastor Luke said, “Satan knows Scripture.” He will sprinkle in just enough truth, he will twist what the Bible says just enough to be wrong, but not enough to be “offensive.” He is the deceiver!

How can we avoid deceit? Here are a few ideas:

• Know God. Know him more—his attributes, his heart, his love.
• Know God’s Word. The Word is truth. By filling our minds with his Word, we will better recognize deceit.
• Pray. Consider prayer more the conversation with a friend rather than a time to “tell Dad what we want.”
• See yourself as he sees you. Live the knowledge of his love for you. When he sees you, he sees his Son. He sees righteousness.
• Turn it all over to him. He sent his Son to pay the price for all of our sins. So often, we allow worry about something we can’t change to steal the joy of the victories he can’t wait to give us. Be a warrior, not a worrier.
• Worship him. Turn your worry into worship. He is worthy!

Steve Ralph is executive minister at First Free Rockford.