Have you ever been deceived into believing a lie as if it were true? Or have you been a victim of a person's seemingly innocent cry for help, when in fact that person was merely looking for someone to take advantage of? If you have, then you know how it is to be fooled.

The Lord Jesus said He is sending all of us into the world as sheep among wolves. The world we live in, wherever we may be, has a lot of people with cunning and sly tactics to take advantage of us, and sway us from fulfilling the role that God had intended for us to take. What do we do to prevent that from happening? The answer: Be wise as serpents, but harmless or guileless as doves.

But what will you do when you discover that you're already fooled? Do you think there's no more way out of it? My friend, there is a way out of it.

A Ray of Hope

I've been a naïve person for most of my younger years. I used to have a very hopeful view of the world, thinking that everybody is a nice person who wouldn't dare do anything wrong or sinful. I was wrong. I've experienced being fooled over and over again, for reasons and purposes big and small: my time, my talents, my treasures, and my health.

Thankfully, God is a redeeming God who is concerned over every affair and aspect of my life. He made it clear to me that Jesus died to set me free from any and every form of slavery, so that I could live for Him and Him alone.

The same goes for you.

After realising that I've been fooled by different people who tried to appear innocent and well-meaning, I've learned to become wise. Although I'm not wise as a serpent and guileless as a dove just yet, I believe there's grace to help me move towards that.

Your Turn

My friend, have you been fooled by someone you thought was genuine and sincere? Here's what you should do when you discover you've been fooled.

1. Free Yourself as Soon as You Can

Friend, Christ died for you so that you could live for Him. Fight for what He fought for: your freedom to live for Him.

Don't allow anybody to abuse you, take advantage of you, and turn you into a slave.

2. Forgive Yourself and Your Offender and Move On

Don't get bitter. Learn to forgive the offender, and leave the pursuit of justice to God, who promised to avenge. Worry not, because God will not close His eyes until justice is served.

3. Be Wise in Your Relationships

1 John 4:1 instructs us not to believe everything, but to test it all if it's from God or not. Jesus said many deceivers will come bearing His name and introducing themselves as Christian or something. Don't automatically believe them, even if they appear to have some anointing or can do miracles.

The best thing to do is to watch out for their fruit. Look closely into their lives if they really live a godly life characterised by integrity, honesty, a lack of greed, and a sincere love for truth, justice, and righteousness.

Let's do our best to be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.