This word began to swirl around my head several weeks ago. I didn’t know what it meant when I first heard it. It’s always fun when God whispers new things to me.
Here’s the definition…
Duplicity: deceitfulness; double-dealing
There is so much of this going on now, but if we were honest, we’d admit it’s always been happening. Even in the Bible we see ample examples. Judas, for one. Ananias and Saphira felt the immediate effects of their duplicity.
We see it every day, in many different people.
I have fallen victim to the duplicity of others many times. In the past I’ve just taken everything at face value. I never expected people would try to deceive me, but sometimes they do. It happens to all of us. If we’re honest, we’ve all done it at some point. The question is how do we trust when the world is so full of deception?
It is far too easy to become jaded. It is easy to just shut off and refuse to let people close, but that’s really not healthy and brings no joy. Right? So, what is the remedy?
I’m still working it all out, but here’s what I’ve been practicing lately. When a new person comes to me and begins to open up to me, I actively listen. I listen to exactly what they are saying and also what God is saying. I watch body language and hold a neutral position most often.
Just the other day a person was pouring out their heart to me, but at some point, I felt a prick in my spirit. When that happened, I immediately took a step back and began to ask God to show me if something was “off” with that person. Then I kept listening with a pleasant facial expression, and after a few moments that person revealed to me exactly why I was bothered. They never knew it, but because I took a moment to recognize that prick in my heart and then partnered with God for the remainder of the conversation, God protected me and gave me wisdom.
Lastly, let’s talk about the elephant in the room…The news…
Friends, when we listen with our spirits before we listen with emotion, we are far better served. If you feel a news report tugging at you emotionally, then it’s very important to first step back and take it to God, ask Him to give you true wisdom. If you have Jesus in your heart, then you can listen with your spirit, but it’s important to practice. You have to learn how to lean into the spirit inside of you. It’s worth it.
Prayer Moment: God, give me ears to hear You in all circumstances. Open my eyes to see truth and help me to never be led by emotion. I surrender my “right” to respond, to You. I give You my whole heart. I want to represent Your kingdom well. Help me to mature more every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to Him; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19
365 Days in the Presence 