The Cost of Believing Lies: S2-E24

In this episode of the Living in Jesus podcast, Ross O’Hair and guest Greg Cleland discuss the high cost of believing lies. Greg transparently shares his personal journey, highlighting how he initially sought acceptance and self-worth through achievements, particularly in athletics. However, upon facing challenges and the loss of his football career, he spiraled into self-destructive behaviors, struggling with self-hatred, addiction, and feelings of inadequacy. The turning point came when Greg reached out to God, leading him to pursue a graduate degree in biblical counseling and eventually finding his freedom by embracing the truth of God’s grace and his identity in the life of Jesus Christ.

This conversation touches on the profound effect of lies on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Greg also shares how his current challenge of end-stage kidney failure has further strengthened his reliance on God’s sustaining grace, emphasizing the importance of surrendering to God’s control and recognizing our vulnerability. The episode encourages us all to embrace the reality that true freedom comes from acknowledging our dependence on the life of Christ rather than striving for self-sufficiency.

1. Introduction: The Cost of Believing Lies (0:14)
   • Ross introduces the topic of the cost of believing lies and the contrast between lies and truth.
2. Greg’s Personal Experience with Lies (1:06)
   • Greg shares how lies he believed about himself impacted his life.
3. Specific Lies and Impact (2:09)
   • Greg discusses the impact of specific lies he believed, such as feeling fundamentally flawed and struggling with inferiority and insecurity.
4. Coping Mechanisms and Addictions (2:50)
   • Greg shares how the impact of the lies he believed led to self-destructive behaviors, including drug use, alcohol, and sexual addiction.
5. Turning Point and Freedom Found in the Truth (4:46)
   • Greg describes the turning point in his life, reaching out to God for help and ultimately finding freedom through a realization of God’s grace in the gospel.
6. Facing Current Challenges by Believing Truth (11:29)
   • Greg shares his current challenge of end-stage kidney failure, emphasizing his trust in God’s sustaining grace and how this challenge reinforces his dependence on God.