Mentiras que las jovenes creen y la verdad que las hace libres (Lies Young Women Believe)

1. Lies Lead to Bondage, Truth Brings Freedom

The lies she believed at one time put her in bondage. It was the Truth that set her free from those chains.

The Deceiver's Goal. Lies, originating from Satan, the "father of lies," are designed to lead us into bondage, controlling areas of our lives and ultimately leading to destruction. This process begins subtly: we listen to a lie, dwell on it, begin to believe it, and then act on it, becoming enslaved to false ways of thinking and living. Erin's panic attacks, rooted in lies like "Everyone leaves" and "I have to take care of myself," illustrate how deeply embedded deceptions can manifest in real-life struggles.

Our Cooperation Matters. Lies gain power only when we cooperate with them. Eve's fall in the Garden of Eden demonstrates this progression: she listened to the serpent's sales pitch, dwelled on his half-truths, believed them over God's clear command, and then acted on that belief by eating the forbidden fruit. Similarly, Caitlyn's eating disorder intensified as she feasted on fashion magazines, listening to and dwelling on lies about beauty. We must learn to flee from anything that contradicts God's will.

Truth as the Liberator. Just as knowing a genuine kouros statue helps identify a fake, becoming saturated with God's Truth is the only way to discern and overcome deception. Jesus declared, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life," making Him the ultimate standard for truth. By studying His Word, meditating on it, and applying it, we can replace lies with liberating truths. Kelly's victory over anorexia, achieved by saturating her mind with Scripture, exemplifies how embracing truth leads to freedom from destructive patterns.

2. God is Always Enough and Deeply Involved

Nothing less than God can ever fill the part of our heart that was created for God.

God is Sufficient. Many young women believe the lie that "God is not enough," often seeking satisfaction in friends, achievements, or material things. This mindset turns these good gifts into idols, leaving a "God-shaped hole" in the heart that only He can fill. When we prioritize human relationships or worldly success over God, we set ourselves up for disappointment and misery, as Nancy learned after losing close friends.

God Cares Personally. The belief that "God is not really involved in my life" is a form of deism, suggesting a distant God unconcerned with personal details. However, Jesus assures us that God numbers the hairs on our heads and notices every sparrow, valuing us far more. Dannah's experience in Zambia, where God provided a specific medical kit for her husband's nosebleed, illustrates His intimate involvement in even the most minute details. Drawing near to God reveals His constant presence and care.

God's Purpose, Not Just Problem-Solving. While we often pray for God to "fix our problems," His primary concern is our transformation and His glory, not merely our immediate comfort. Suffering and trials are tools God uses to shape us, build endurance, character, and hope, making us more like Jesus. Nancy's father's sudden death, though tragic, became an opportunity to trust God's good and sovereign plan. Our prayers should reflect submission to His will, not just a "to-do" list for Him.

3. Satan's Influence is Real, But Limited

Satan’s power is drastically different from God’s. God is all-powerful (omnipotent) and all-knowing (omniscient); He is also present everywhere (omnipresent). Satan has divinely appointed limitations.

Not All Bad is Spiritual Warfare. While spiritual battles are real, not every negative event is a direct assault from Satan. Many problems stem from our own sinful choices (the "flesh") or the fallen world system. For example, credit card debt from unwise spending is a consequence of personal choices, not necessarily a demonic attack. Pornography's prevalence is a worldly influence. We must take personal responsibility for our actions, even when Satan is involved, and use repentance and confession as weapons.

Beware of Occult Connections. Many young women believe they've "never been exposed to satanic activities," yet casually engage in practices God calls "detestable." These include:

• Horoscopes and fortune-telling
• Psychic activities
• Video games or movies portraying demonic forces or witchcraft positively
• Yoga, with its roots in pagan worship

Such activities, even if seemingly innocent, can open doors to the Enemy's influence. Attitudes like anger, bitterness, unforgiveness, and rebellion also make us vulnerable.

The Snare of Deception. Satan's influence often works like a subtle snare, not a painful trap. We walk calmly into seemingly harmless activities, feeling nothing, until our own actions ensnare us. This highlights our responsibility in becoming entangled. Renouncing evil practices, forgiving others, and seeking forgiveness from God are crucial steps to slam the door shut on the Enemy and live in the freedom Christ provides, rather than being caught in a "yoke of bondage."

4. Your True Value Comes from God, Not Performance or Appearance

Your value is not determined by what you do, but by how God views you.

Beauty is Fleeting, Inner Beauty Lasts. The lie that "beautiful girls are worth more" creates "insanely unreal expectations" fueled by airbrushed models and celebrity culture. This leads to self-loathing, depression, and unhealthy comparisons. Physical beauty is temporary, as Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain." True, imperishable beauty comes from "the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit," which God highly values.

Modesty Reflects the Heart. Our outward appearance should reflect a pure, joyful, and life-filled heart. Modesty in dress and behavior is important, not to condemn physical beauty, but to honor God and protect our hearts and reputations. The media's unattainable beauty standards, often achieved through digital manipulation, create a cycle of dissatisfaction. Dannah's journey from despising her skin to sensing "God made a good thing" illustrates how focusing on internal beauty brings peace with God's creation.

Grace, Not Performance, Defines Worth. A pervasive lie is "I have to perform to be loved and accepted," leading to immense pressure in academics, sports, or ministry. This mindset is rooted in works-based thinking rather than grace. God loved us before we could do anything for Him, knitting us "fearfully and wonderfully." Our value comes from being His child, not from achievements. Sophia's struggle with swimming, where her identity became tied to performance, highlights the need to find worth solely in Christ.

5. God's Design for Sexuality and Relationships is for Your Deepest Joy

Marriage is a picture of a beautiful, powerful spiritual Truth. So can you understand why Satan would want to lie to you about its value and meaning and would want to set you up to tarnish this amazing picture?

Dating Choices Impact Your Future. Many young women believe "It's OK to date whoever I feel like dating," even non-Christians, rationalizing it as "just casual." However, marriage is a sacred picture of Christ and the Church, and God forbids binding relationships with unbelievers. Dating non-Christians, or experimenting with bisexuality/lesbianism based on fleeting feelings, compromises this sacred picture and can lead to deep heartache. Feelings are not facts; God's Word is the ultimate truth for sexuality.

The "Craving" for Control. The lie "I need a boyfriend" often stems from "the Craving"—an unhealthy desire for a man, sometimes intertwined with a desire to control the relationship, rooted in the Genesis 3:16 curse. This longing places a guy on a pedestal meant for God, creating an idol. Samantha's story of early pregnancy and a broken marriage after pursuing a boyfriend illustrates the disastrous consequences of seeking satisfaction outside God. Mia's decision to focus on God instead of guys transformed her junior year.

Purity is More Than "Not Sex." The lie "It's not really sex" rationalizes various forms of sexual immorality, from oral sex and sexting to compulsive masturbation. God's standard is "not even a hint of sexual immorality." This includes mental and visual impurity, suggestive dressing, and consuming sexually explicit media. God's limitations on sexuality are not to withhold joy but to ensure the "greatest possible sexual fulfillment" within a covenant marriage. Stephanie and Jeremiah's story highlights the profound joy and intimacy found in waiting for God's timing.

Enduring Loneliness for Greater Joy. While the "loneliness of staying pure" is a real struggle, especially when peers compromise, it is a temporary pain far better than the "pain of self-destruction" that follows compromise. Statistics show most Christian young women are virgins, yet many still feel isolated. C.S. Lewis noted, "The pain now is part of the happiness then." Waiting for God's chosen husband (or embracing singleness with contentment) leads to a more precious and beautiful marriage, or a life of deep joy in Christ's all-sufficiency.

6. Authentic Faith Requires Honesty and Submission

If you claim to act and believe one way in church or at home, but your Snapchats and texts contradict those beliefs, you are being the very thing you said you don’t want to be—a hypocrite!

Your Connection to God is Direct. The lie "My youth pastor is my connection to God" leads to devastation when leaders fail or leave. While youth pastors are important, Christ alone is our High Priest and mediator, granting us direct access to God. Placing spiritual leaders on a pedestal meant for God can cause deep wounds and lead to withdrawal from the church, as Dannah experienced after her youth pastor's betrayal. The church, though imperfect, is God's plan for growth and spiritual support.

Overcoming the Fear of Judgment. Many young women believe "Everyone at church is judging me," leading to pressure to be fake or to hide sin. This fear often stems from perceived judgment rather than actual judgment. While some Christians may be judgmental, we are called to "outdo one another in showing honor" and to humbly defer to others. Confessing sins to an older, wiser person, as James 5:16 encourages, brings healing and accountability, releasing us from secret shame and the fear of judgment.

True Christianity is Transformation. The lie "Of course I'm a Christian, I..." based on church attendance, family background, or a childhood prayer, misses the essence of true salvation. Christianity is not profession or performance, but a radical transformation—a "new creation" by the Holy Spirit. Tish's story, where she found freedom from sexual sin only after a genuine "born again" experience, illustrates that true conversion brings a new heart, a desire to obey, and the power to overcome sin.

Submission Brings Protection. The lie "I'm my own authority" fuels rebellion and disrespect towards parents, teachers, and other God-ordained authorities. Satan, who rebelled against God, delights in this. Submission is not about agreeing with every decision or implying inferiority, but about honoring Christ by placing ourselves under His protective covering. Dannah's struggle to submit to her husband, Bob, revealed her own desire for control, but choosing submission ultimately brought beauty and blessing to their marriage.

7. You Can Overcome Sin Through Christ's Power and Wise Choices

While you cannot overcome sin on your own, Christ can change you. Through His power (and only through His power), you can say no to sin and yes to God.

Christ's Power Overcomes Sin. Many young women believe "I can't overcome my sin," leading to shame and recurring defeat. While we are powerless on our own ("Apart from me, you can do nothing"), Christ's death sets us free from sin's power. Being "born again" gives us a new nature and the Holy Spirit's power to overcome habitual sin. Becky Tirabassi's immediate deliverance from alcoholism and Nancy's long battle with lying, overcome through confession and accountability, demonstrate that victory is possible.

Consequences of Disobedience. The lie "In certain situations it's OK to break the law or rules if I'm not hurting myself or others" is a dangerous deception. Satan entices us with the "benefits" of sin, suggesting we won't get caught or face consequences. However, "whatever one sows, that will he also reap." Breaking rules, like texting while driving, can lead to tragic outcomes, even if not immediately apparent. Sin steals joy, brings guilt, quenches the Spirit, and ultimately leads to death.

Self-Control Overrides Emotions. The lie "I can't control myself when I'm stressed or PMS-ing" uses real physical symptoms as an excuse for sinful behavior like anger, unkindness, or emotional outbursts. While PMS is a genuine physical malady, it is never an excuse for sin. Anxiety, too, is a belief issue. We are called to "take every thought captive to obey Christ" and bring our emotions under His control. Dannah's infamous lunch-throwing incident highlights how easily emotions can lead to regrettable actions, but God's grace enables self-control.

8. Guard Your Mind from Media's Deception and Embrace God's Purpose for Your Future

If you are taking in regular or significant doses of music, television, the Internet, and movies, you are being affected by them. The question is: Are you being influenced positively or negatively?

Media's Subtle, Powerful Influence. Many young women believe "The benefits of constant media use outweigh the harm," despite admitting negative effects on their relationship with God and others. Media, like an IV drip, subtly pumps foreign substances into our system, influencing behavior, values, and thinking. Even artists who create explicit content often filter it for their own children. We are not immune to media's power, as seen in consumer behavior changes or dangerous imitations of movie stunts.

Intentional Limits for Freedom. The lie "It's not a waste of time... even if it is, it's OK" rationalizes excessive media use. However, limits provide safety and freedom, as demonstrated by children who thrive with boundaries. Unchecked media consumption can be addictive, wasting valuable time and energy, and hindering spiritual growth. Nancy's personal struggle with phone usage led her to establish practical limits. Intentional filtering (previewing, processing with pros/cons, praying) is crucial to ensure media choices honor God and nourish the soul, rather than conforming to worldly influences.

Your Choices Shape Your Destiny. The lie "What I do now doesn't affect the future" is profoundly dangerous. Every choice, every habit formed today, is a seed sown that will yield a harvest in the future. "Whatever one sows, that will he also reap." This applies to eating habits, exercise, how we treat others, and especially our spiritual disciplines. Nancy's lifelong challenge with healthy eating stemmed from unwise teenage choices. The most impactful habit is consistent time with God in His Word and prayer, which profoundly affects every aspect of life, short-term and long-term.

Embrace God's Design for Womanhood. The feminist revolution has fueled the lie that "Having a career outside the home is more valuable and fulfilling than being 'just' a wife and mom." This undermines God's design for women as "helpers fit for" men and nurturers of life. While women can achieve much, God's primary calling for most is marriage and motherhood, which are vital, God-given missions. Rob and Ryan's perspective highlights society's pressure against these roles. Embracing God's plan for womanhood, like the Proverbs 31 woman, leads to a great adventure of fulfillment and glory to God.