The Trouble with Deception...

"Many deceptions only appeal to us because there is something inside us that "wants" to believe them. They are seductive because of darkness and wrong motives in our own lives. We must search our hearts and root these out."   - Andrew Strom

Deception, by its definition, is the act of deceiving; the state of being deceived. It comes from the word "deceive," which means: to mislead by a false appearance or statement. Maybe you're more familiar with "deceive" by some of its synonyms, such as: fool, dupe, trick, defraud, and cheat.

Sadly, we live in a fallen world where self-deception is just part of the territory. Jeremiah 17:9, Isaiah 44:20; Obadiah 1:3; and Proverbs 16:18 speak, or warn us of how deceitful our own hearts are. Think you're immune just because you never miss a Sunday service, or faithfully read your daily allotment of Scripture? If you do... you are wrong!

Although it's commendable that you do these things, unless you actually practice what you have learned, or put it into action, you are only deceiving yourself. The accumulation of vast amounts of Biblical truths is awesome. But it does no good if you keep it all to yourself. It must be shared, and put to work (2 Timothy 3:17).

Deception, as it relates to our practice of religion, may be examined in a couple of contrasting ways. James points to the first type of deception in James 1:26. This type leads us to believe that what we say doesn't matter. This is an inferior or ineffective religion.

Next, he points out another type in James 1:27. This religion is untainted and righteous. This is where we practice true religion, free from being tripped up by self-deception. An empty, hollow religion only serves to fuel false, self-centered motives, which lack in faith and love. This is not what God desires (Galatians 5:6).

This trouble with self-deception is brought to our attention on many occasions in the Bible. For example, Samson's tragic experience with his own self-deception didn't turn out well for him (Judges 16:20). And, in the story of David and Goliath, Goliath fatally learned what it means to believe in yourself more than God (1 Samuel 17: 41-51).

To avoid falling into the trap of deception, as it relates to our relationship with Jesus Christ, we must follow what James tells us in James 1:25 (NLT). You and I should "look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it."

Remember, always keep the Word close to your heart, follow its instructions, and stay focused on and devoted to it. Self-deception can only be kept in check by letting God occupy both, your heart and mind (Psalm 73:26).

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:13; Galatians 6:7-8; Mark 7:20-22; Mark 10:19

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to choose the path of truth, and not be deceived by the enemy. Amen

Have a blessed day!

Brandi