Last week we began this article on how we can deceive ourselves. Two ways mentioned were: (1) If we think we can practice sin and still be saved, and (2) If we think we can sow one thing and reap another.
Another route of self-deception is when we think we are better than we really are. In Gal. 6:3 we find this statement, “For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” This statement is made in the context of the spiritually strong restoring a weak brother who has been overtaken in a trespass, thereby helping to bear his burden (vs. 1,2). Love, care and gentleness must be demonstrated toward the brother overtaken, “considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” With such a spirit, we put ourselves in another’s place, realizing how difficult it is to resist our own temptations. On the other hand, the haughty spirit, that considers oneself better than another who has yielded to temptation is condemned. Such a person deceives himself because everybody is subject to sin and can be overtaken by it at anytime. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (I Cor. 10:12). The root of this sin is pride (haughty eyes), which is a sin that God hates (Prov. 6:16). Pride goes before destruction (Prov. 16:18), and it is of this world (I John 2:16). In reality, the one who thinks he is better than someone overtaken by sin is in fact overtaken by sin himself, and therefore no better. Only selfdeception would cause one to think otherwise.
Another form of self-deception is when we think we can be a hearer and not a doer of God’s word. James 1:22 states, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Hearing the word is essential (Rom. 10:17) but hearing only is worthless. This point is emphasized by one seeing himself in a mirror, realizing personal improvement is needed and then going away doing nothing about it (vs. 22-25). The Bible is like a mirror. When we read it, or hear it preached, we see our spiritual lives to be acceptable or need improvement. If the need for correction is evident, then action must be taken to bring it about. Knowing what needs to be done is not enough. Proper application of the word is the only thing that will bring about the correction. To think otherwise is to deceive oneself.
One application of this principle is stated in the context, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless” (James 1:26). He may be a doer of the word in other areas and consider himself to be religious, but the fact that he is only a hearer and not a doer with regard to the use of his tongue, leaves him deceived, and causes whatever good he is doing to be worthless. Obedience has always been essential in man’s relationship with God, and it never will be a non-essential.
Many other passages could be cited that warn against becoming deceived (cf. I Cor. 15:33; Matt. 13:22; Eph. 5:6; Rom. 16:17,18; II Tim. 3:13) Since deception is so common, let us always guard against it because it could cause us to miss heaven.
0 Comments