Can Self-deception Be Avoided?

Self-deception becomes a major player in your life when you convince yourself it’s acceptable to engage in behaviors that betray a code of conduct honored by God and society. Betraying spiritual boundaries and Christian values to satisfy the desires of the heart should result in guilt and shame.

Self-deception is pervasive, whether it’s defined as insignificant or atrocious. Does God care what you think or do as long as you accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord? Galatians 6:3 issues this warning: “If anyone thinks he is something when he is not, he deceives himself. Each should test his own motives and actions.”

Listen to the truth of God’s word from Jesus: “Broad is the way that leads to destruction…but narrow is the way that leads to life.” God’s desire is that you face the truth and live within that truth. You are not alone in this difficult task. The Holy Spirit will strengthen and guide you as you commit yourself to continuously live for him. 

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Always do what the Word says; don’t merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.

~James 1:22 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today

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How Can Lying Eyes Learn to Speak Truth?

There are secrets that are detrimental to oneself and others. These secrets arouse suspicion and distrust because they can’t be completely suppressed or hidden. Shame and guilt are impossible to conceal completely because subtle changes in attitudes and behaviors are apparent.

Human beings try to deceive with their eyes. The eyes are said to be the window to the soul for others to see and question. Being deceptive makes the eyes appear shut to the scrutiny of those searching for the truth. John Steinbeck wrote, “Lying eyes are impossible to hide.”

When feeling suspicious, ask God for insight and patience. Wait for details to confirm or disprove what is feared to be true. Fear is overcome by truth and mercy and by trusting God to bring positive good and needed change from what appears hurtful and painful. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus delivers security in times of insecurity.   

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Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever.

~Psalm 86:11-12 New International Version

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Can Habitual Lying Be Subdued?

Have you noticed that children do not need to be taught how to lie or deliberately hide the truth? This tendency seems to be connected to some perceived threat of punishment. Parents are saddled with the task of teaching children to be truthful, for lying can become a habit or behavior pattern that lasts a lifetime.

As a child, I was told that little white lies supposedly didn’t matter much. However, white lies can be a steppingstone to a lifetime of fabrications and falsehoods that become a sinful habit. This pattern may progress on to become pathological lying, where a blatant lie is indistinguishable from the truth.

If lying has become habitual, there is help. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of its depravity so it moves your heart and soul to confession and repentance. Ask Jesus to fill you with his truth and also with clarity so that whenever you’re tempted to lie, you will instantly recognize it. God promises you a way to escape, so be determined to take it.  

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Do you want a long, good life? Then watch your tongue! Keep your lips from lying.

~Psalm 34:12-13 The Living Bible

 

Teach me your ways, O Lord; make them known to me. Teach me to live according to your truth, for you are my God, who saves me. I always trust in you.

Psalm 25:4-5 Good News Bible

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False Assumptions vs. Reality - Part 1

The parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15 parallels our lives in interesting ways. It's about a young man who could not compete with his older brother's privileges and power. He assumed that if he left home he could be successful in his own right. The father permitted this young man to follow his dreams. The story is about distinguishing false assumptions from reality.

False assumptions blind a person's ability to correctly perceive reality. Imagine the fantasies this young man possessed. He would separate from his family and find his own way in the world. He evidently assumed that life is a party and his inheritance would sustain him indefinitely.

One other assumption this young man surely held was that his friends would have his back when he needed them. Waking up to the truth takes time, but then choices based on reality can be set in place. Truth based on reality believes that God is at work to save you from yourself. The Lord Jesus Christ will help you sort out false assumptions and give you faith to change.

Damaged Integrity: Restoring and Rebuilding - Part 3

A person of integrity refrains from deliberate dishonesty and deception. What comes to mind when you hear the word deception? Perhaps something from your experience like being deceived into thinking or believing something that wasn't true. Deception can look and sound like truth, can have shades of truth, but beneath the surface things are not as they seem.

Have you omitted some of the facts concerning an issue because you were scared or anxious about what could happen if the whole truth were known? All of us are guilty of behaviors that have hurt or harmed others. However we can change if we feel genuine sorrow and regret for these behaviors and have made commitments to change.

Believing that hope exists for new beginnings is motivation for rebuilding a wounded integrity. Think of integrity as a guiding light within your conscience which guides you through difficult decisions that would temp you to turn from God's truth. Jesus said he is the Light of the World and in him there is no darkness. Choose to walk in his light.