“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness”, 1 John 1:8-9(ESV).
Since the beginning of time, deception has been a problem for humans. We read in the Bible of many instances of deception and many of our brothers and sisters who were deceived in one way or another. Adam and Eve were the initiators of this realm of self-limiting posture. In Genesis, the serpent deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden when he convinced Eve to eat from the fruit of knowledge of good and evil. Also, in Genesis, we read of Jacob being deceived by his uncle Laban. Laban had promised Jacob his daughter Rachel in marriage, but instead, he gave him his daughter, Leah, on the wedding day. Jacob then had to serve another seven years to have Rachel as his wife. Samson in Judges was deceived by Delilah, who convinced him to reveal the source of his strength, which then allowed the Philistines to capture and imprison him. David was deceived by his advisor, Ahithophel, who switched his allegiance to David’s son Absalom and plotted to overthrow David’s reign. Jesus, the Messiah, was deceived by one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. There are more examples of deception in the entirety of the Bible.
Deception occurs when an individual convinces themselves of a false reality or belief, despite evidence to the contrary. It is a form of manipulation that can have many consequences. So, the question we should ask is, why deception? Why do we fall into deception?
The answer lies in 1 John 1:8, which states, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” We fall into deception because ‘we’ claim, speak, declare, announce, and give voice to SELF. Deception does feel good in the moment. It provides us with a sense of being (contrary to having our identity in Christ) and confirms and affirms us (shaping away our vulnerability). It feeds our flesh! As we read in Romans, the flesh is weak, Romans 6:19.
Let’s chew on that for a moment.
Deception makes us feel in control – it provides a sense of control, power, or superiority over the situation and others. Even in the best of times, people tend to restrain being under control. So, our natural tendencies are to subdue and take back our power.
Deception provides a sense of achievement – it gives the feeling (although false) that one has achieved personal gain or benefits. This can range from getting out of a difficult situation to getting a job promotion.
Deception helps us avoid confrontations – it can serve to deceive others to avoid confrontation or difficult conversations. This can be especially true in personal relationships where the truth might be painful or uncomfortable.
Deception elicits praise or admiration – it can enable us to receive praise and admiration from others. For example, someone may exaggerate their accomplishments to impress others to gain their admiration.
It is important to acknowledge that while deception may feel good for a moment, it comes with great consequences, including loss of trust, broken relationships, damaged reputation, and, most of all, relinquishing self-preservation and identity. Scripture says we deceive ourselves when we exclaim we have no sin. This will be the greatest claim any human born of a man can make. It should be far from us to think we have no sin! Taking on such a posture can remove us from the presence of God. It can disrupt the flow of God’s anointing in our lives. Instead, we ought to acknowledge we are sinners before God. Deception can blind us to God blessings and grace, which in turn aid in us not extending grace and blessings to others. Simply put, deception is a lie to your Soul. I believe God, in His infinite wisdom, granted us the posture to be vulnerable with Him and others, so that we can humbly walk in uprightness in unity.
How can we wake up from the slumber of deception?
Begin with acknowledgment – Know that you are a sinner! Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Through the first man, sin enters this world, and through another, sin has no control over us. Acknowledging you are a sinner does not mean you carry or wear a banner exclaiming it! It means remembering where you once were, how God saved you, and your commitment to do your best not to return to where you once were. Acknowledging your sinful nature also humbles you to know that everyone is equal in the sight of God, and this helps you never to try to be or manipulate anyone else but who God has called you to be. This helps you not to fall into deception.
Boldly Confess– “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1 John 1:9. Interestingly, it says “if,” which implies an act of the will. Are you willing to walk with Jesus? Then, allow Him to take the blindfold off by confessing to him.
Prayer:
Dear God, please guide and help us always seek the truth. Protect us from deception and give us the wisdom to recognize when we are being deceived. Help us to be honest with ourselves and others and to always act with integrity. Give us the strength to resist the temptation to deceive or manipulate others. Please help us walk in humility and always act according to your will. We pray this in Jesus’ Name… Amen!
