It is one thing to be tricked or deceived by another person. It happens. But it is quite another matter to deceive oneself. I am not perfect (believe me, really not perfect) but I’d like to think that I am aware of most of my sins. I try to keep all skeletons out in the open. That way there are no surprises and no fear of exposure to keep me on edge. Yet there is no way I can find every deception within myself.
That’s why the Psalmist wrote in 139:23-24:
Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (AMP)
There’s the catch. What’s in my heart and my thoughts are important, too! There’s really no way I can sift through all this in my own wisdom and strength. Therefore I must ask God for help in uncovering my sins and then cleansing me from them.
Can I do anything to reduce the chance of being deceived? Yes, I believe so. Let’s start with the acknowledgement that the goal is to not deceive myself or anyone else.
The first thing is to stay connected and open. No secrets allowed. I’m not talking about ‘what are you getting me for my birthday’ secrets. I’m referring to relationships, conversations, actions, or going places that I wouldn’t be comfortable with if someone else was listening or watching. Almost every article I’ve read about keeping my marriage healthy included the advice to be careful with whom I make connections. I think this is even more important given the perceived privacy of email and the like. I have 4 people who know the password to my email and they are welcome to read anything at anytime.
Secondly, if I want to have a deeper understanding of truth, so that I will be wiser about deception, I must study God’s Word; input His Truth as much as possible. Daily scripture reading gives my mind something to chew on or mull over for the day. Renew my mind by repeating scripture out loud.
Third, often my problem is habit. Old ways die hard. What I need is a plan for strengthening my spirit and weakening my flesh. My flesh is my natural desires and tendencies. Say “No” to what my ‘self’ wants; do this just as an exercise (like a work out routine!), not for any reason except to teach myself who is boss. Check what is going into my heart, mind, imagination and body. I agree with moderation in all things acceptable; but if I’m being convicted of something, cold turkey is the most effective medicine for me.
The last step is two-fold. I must pray to God asking for strength every day. I must believe that the Spirit in me is stronger than the spirit in the world.
The Goal: Avoid deceiving myself and avoid deceiving others.
The Plan:
Stay connected; open; no secrets; accountability.
Input His truth every day; think about scripture; repeat it out loud.
Say “No” to myself occasionally regarding things that are acceptable, for no reason except to let my spirit be the boss of my flesh.
Ask God for strength. Believe He is stronger than the world.
My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world's language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception. 1 John 4:4 (MSG)
Written by Mary M. Wilkins
You have covered so many truths here, Mary. I love the way that you "break" down your thoughts. I really appreciate your "practicality".
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary for reminding us that sometimes we even deceive ourselves! Thankfully God will help reveal those things to us which we need to change, and then give us the strength to change as well!
ReplyDeleteI am running late this week Mary. I did love this as I read it. You have some very interesting insights. Perhaps someone should invent binoculars with tiny cameras on strings that can be put into their ears to search. Just being silly. The truth is that we should spend some of our quiet time with the Lord in a joint search.
ReplyDeleteThanks and God bless