I want to begin this post with great sensitivity. In light of recent events, many of us are grieving. The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, a man of God, has left deep pain in the hearts of his wife, children, family, friends, and countless others who were touched by his ministry. His life was stolen from him, yet there is no question about where he stood with God or the calling on his life. Charlie lived and spoke with boldness, teaching the gospel with conviction, even when it was unpopular.
In the wake of his death, we see a painful divide. Some mourn with tears and gratitude for his faithfulness. Others, hardened by the cultural battles of our day, claim that his words brought about his end. But let us remember what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:15–18:
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
The gospel is powerful. It remains true no matter who speaks it or how it is received. Charlie Kirk gave his life proclaiming it with courage and conviction. His death reminds us of the urgency to cling to God’s Word in a world overflowing with lies and cultural confusion.
And that is what this blog is about. We live in a world filled with messages that sound good, empowering, and liberating on the surface. Yet so many of them are lies. Lies that wound us, bind us, and keep us from living in the freedom Christ offers. My prayer is that as you read, you will recognize some of the lies you may have believed, and more importantly, replace them with the truth of God’s Word.
Lie #1: “You are enough on your own.”
This is one of the most common cultural messages we hear. It shows up in Instagram captions, magazine covers, and motivational speeches. “You are enough.” On the surface, it sounds encouraging, even affirming. But if we are “enough” on our own, why would we need God?
The truth is that we were never designed to be self-sufficient. From the very beginning, God created us to depend on Him.
Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
That does not mean we are worthless. In fact, our value is so great that Christ gave His life for us (Romans 5:8). But our strength and sufficiency are found in Him, not in ourselves.
Author Elisabeth Elliot once wrote:
“The world cries for men who are strong; strong in conviction, strong to lead, to stand, to suffer. The church cries for men and women who are strong in Christ.”
The culture says: “Look inward to find your strength.” But Scripture says: “Look upward, to the One who holds your life in His hands.”
Lie #2: “Beauty equals worth.”
We live in a world obsessed with appearances. Entire industries thrive on convincing women that if we can just change our shape, fix our skin, or follow the latest trends, we will finally be valuable.
But God’s Word speaks a radically different truth:
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight” (1 Peter 3:3–4).
Instead of chasing impossible standards, we are invited to rest in the truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Outward beauty is fleeting, but the character God shapes within us has eternal value.
Consider Ruth. She was a widow, a foreigner, and a woman with no social standing. She had nothing culture would consider “beautiful.” Yet her faith, loyalty, and humility made her radiant. Boaz honored her not for her looks, but for her heart (Ruth 2:11–12).
Author Priscilla Shirer reminds us:
“We don’t have to perform to be accepted by God. His love is already ours.”
When we let go of culture’s shallow standards, we discover a deeper beauty - one that shines from within and reflects the love of Christ.
Lie #3: “Success defines you.”
Culture tells us that our worth is measured by what we accomplish. Degrees, careers, promotions, salaries, and social media followings become the yardsticks of our identity. But God’s Word reminds us that our value is not found in what we do, but in who we belong to.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21).
Truett Cathy, the Christian businessman who founded Chick-fil-A, is an example of this. When he chose to close his restaurants on Sundays, critics called it financial suicide. Yet his obedience to God’s principle of rest and worship became a testimony. God honored that decision, and the business flourished. Cathy’s life showed that true success is not about wealth or recognition but about faithfulness to God.
Pastor Tim Keller once wrote:
“If your identity is in your work, rather than in Christ, success will go to your head and failure will go to your heart.”
Our worth is secure in Christ. No job title, paycheck, or achievement can add to it or take it away.
Lie #4: “Follow your heart.”
This phrase shows up everywhere: in movies, in songs, in casual advice. “Follow your heart. Trust your feelings.” But Scripture tells us something we often do not want to hear:
“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).
Feelings are real, but they are not always reliable. Our hearts can lead us toward sin, discouragement, or compromise. Instead of following our hearts, Scripture calls us to follow God.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6).
When we anchor our lives in God’s Word instead of our shifting emotions, we find guidance, stability, and peace.
Lie #5: “Your past defines you.”
The world is quick to label us by our failures: Divorced. Addict. Broken. Unsuccessful. But the gospel tells us something astonishing.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Your past may be part of your story, but it does not define your future. The cross of Christ does.
Corrie ten Boom, who survived a Nazi concentration camp, often said:
“There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still.”
In Christ, you are not defined by what you have done or what has been done to you. You are defined by the love of God, who makes all things new.
Lie #6: “Happiness is the goal.”
Culture tells us that the ultimate aim in life is to be happy: do what feels good, avoid what feels hard, and chase after comfort. But God never promised us constant happiness. He promised us something far deeper - joy.
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Happiness depends on circumstances. Joy is rooted in Christ. Happiness fades when seasons shift, but joy endures because it flows from God Himself.
C.S. Lewis once said:
“God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
When we seek God first, we discover joy that sustains us through trials and peace that the world cannot understand.
Trading Lies for Truth
So how do we trade culture’s voice for God’s Word?
- Know the Word. The more we fill our hearts with Scripture, the easier it is to recognize lies. (Hebrews 4:12)
- Renew your mind. Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
- Surround yourself with truth-tellers. Godly friends, mentors, and community remind us of what is real when culture shouts otherwise.
- Pray for discernment. James 1:5 promises that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.
A Loving Reminder
Friends, culture will always speak loudly. But you do not have to live chained to its lies. In Christ, you are free - free to walk in truth, free to rest in His love, and free to embrace your God-given identity.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Let us be women who measure ourselves not by the world’s standards but by the unshakable Word of God.
Reflection Questions
- Which of these lies have you believed most often, and how has it shaped your life?
- What Scriptures help you remember your true identity in Christ?
- How can you surround yourself this week with voices that point you toward truth?
Closing Prayer
Father,
We confess that we have often listened to the wrong voices - the voices of culture, comparison, fear, and doubt. Forgive us for forgetting who we are in You.
Thank You for reminding us that we are chosen, loved, and set apart.
We pray for the family and loved ones of Charlie Kirk, asking for Your comfort and peace.
Help us to daily replace lies with Your Word and to walk in the freedom You purchased for us at the cross.
Make us women who delight in Your truth and live boldly for You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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