The Power of Change: Dangerous Lies that Shape Your Character

Wisdom Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:13 (NIV)

This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.

Wisdom Quote

Wisdom is both a body of knowledge—a tradition that helps us understand God, creation, humanity, and community—and a discipline, a way of life shaped through study and consistent practice so character can take root.

—Perdue, Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings

Insights: Dangerous Lies

Many dangerous lies contain a kernel of truth. In the Garden of Eden, each temptation appealed to a good and God-given desire—just twisted away from God’s design:

• Physical – to eat: “Good for food” (useful)

• Emotional – to see: “Pleasing to the eye” (beautiful)

• Spiritual – to know: “Desirable for gaining wisdom” (powerful)

The devil still works the same way today. He tempts you to fulfill healthy desires—your longing to enjoy, to admire, to understand—in unhealthy or inappropriate ways. He twists love into lust, beauty into pornography, and knowledge into self-serving power.

The world and the devil often cooperate to derail your character growth by stirring up sinful desires in your flesh. Their lies sound familiar:

• “You’re saved, so do whatever you want. God will forgive you.”

• “You will never change. Don’t even try.”

• “God wants you happy, so whatever feels good must be right.”

When you’re working on an area of character—say, anger—remember that temptations usually come from a combination of the world, the flesh, and the devil (Ephesians 4:26–27).

Ungodly anger often begins with selfish desires: someone blocks what you want. The world adds its voice: “Stand up for yourself. Don’t let them treat you that way.” Then the devil fuels it further: “Let them have it—raise your voice, put them in their place.”

This is how temptation works: layered lies pulling you away from Jesus’ character.

To grow spiritually, you must become alert to:

• the world’s enticements,

• the sinful desires of your flesh, and

• the devil’s deceptive whispers.

These enemies make character building difficult—but not impossible.

When you give in to sin, you displease God, diminish your integrity, and wound the people around you. But when you pursue change with God’s help, you honor Him, strengthen yourself, and bless others.

And here is the hope: you truly can change.

With God’s power, intentional focus, and a steady plan, your character can be transformed.