Because we humans tend to trust our opinions, thoughts, desires, and feelings more than we consistently seek alignment with truth, deception is widespread. Here are some examples:
* When you say you’re a Christian without spreading God’s love, you’ve stepped into deception. “Without love, I am nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:2) God, give me the grace to love everyone, even my enemies. (Matthew 5:43-48)
* When you accuse people who disagree with what you believe or how you live of hating you, you’re living in deception.
* When you agree with people because you fear how they will treat you if you disagree, you’re embracing deception.
* When you’re driven by feelings and desires instead of following the gentle voice of your conscience, you’re being entangled by deception.
* When you are too proud to sincerely listen to and consider other people’s opinions, you’ve stepped into deception.
* When you try to justify behaviors that you believe are wrong, you’re promoting deception.
Who isn’t deceived? We all are to various degrees. “We know in part and we prophesy in part.” (1 Corinthians 13:9-12) Thinking you have life figured out is great deception.
You can probably tell that I believe in Heaven. I believe that relying on Jesus’ sacrificial death on the Cross, resurrection, and inner transformation is the only way to get there. When I stand before God the Father, I realize that He’s not going to say, “Steve, everything you believed was exactly right. You were deception-free.”
Meanwhile, I ask God to show me my sins and deceptions. I ask Him to help me turn away from my deception and align my thoughts, opinions, emotions, and desires with His will.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)
