Self-deception is a major cause of unhappiness and lack of success in reaching obtainable objectives. One reason we cling to self-deception is the belief that transitions should be smooth and without challenge or suffering. Self-deception's message is there should be no difficulties involved when attempting a new beginning.
When the Israelites had an early chance to take possession of the Promised Land, they failed because of being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety. They refused to trust God’s promise to subdue and drive out those who inhabited the land. They chose self-deception because it complied with what they wanted to believe.
Self-deception is grounded in feelings of powerlessness when facing obstacles. Self-deception is overcome by faith in God’s promise to help when uncertainties abound. Galatians 6:7 warns, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatever you sow, this is what you will reap.” Trust and faith are based on God's promise to ensure you achieve your objectives.
Do not be deceived anymore; God is not to be scoffed at.
A person will reap just what he sows, whatever it is. The person who sows to
gratify his lower nature will reap destruction from that lower nature, and the
person who sows to gratify his higher nature will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
~Galatians 6:7-8 Williams – New Testament in the Language
of the People
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and
there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins to God, he will keep his
promise and do what is right: he will forgive us our sins and purify us from
all our wrongdoing.
~1 John 1:8-9 Good News Bible
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