Struggling with Self-deception

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

______________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Surviving a Personal Crisis with God's Help - Part 2

If survival only involved food, clothing, and shelter, the majority of us would be OK. Most people in our country believe they should enjoy the abundance of our society and what the government provides. I'm sure you know individuals who believe they're beyond failure and that their survival is assured. This cavalier attitude can blind a person to an inevitable crisis.

In the eighteenth century the British Empire was so confident in its naval and military supremacy, its leaders believed they were undefeatable. Yet a rag-tag army led by General George Washington was eventually victorious over the mighty British military. Sin, though seemingly insignificant, can bring disastrous consequence to the most ardent believer.

God brings his people back from the edge of disaster when they're willing to make significant life changes. Listen to 1 John 1:8. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there is no truth in us. But if we confess our sins, he forgives and purifies us from all unrighteousness." This is a choice God makes available to everyone.