Don't be deceived

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12
Dear friends self-deception is the worst kind of dishonesty because it is so convincing. Subtly it convenes our mind and emotions to ally around a lie to the point where we truly believe it as truth. For example, self-deception whispers into the ear of our heart, “You are so smart and capable,” but it forgets to include Christ’s influence in its instruction, in the fact that it is Christ who created the Brain that you might even have the capacity to be smart. Then we wander down a prayerless path, forged in our own strength, only to discover we missed God’s best by a mile.

Truth to power is this, we are only as prosperous and capable as our Lord allows. He makes our path straight and successful as He defines success, thus the reason it is so important to know what God defines as success for you, and not what the world says is success.  Truth be told beloved you may be more successful then you think or even realize. “I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths” (Proverbs 4:11). To which voice do you adhere?your own or your Savior’s? Perhaps His plan is for you to make less money and have more family time. Maybe you turn down this promotion and trust Him for a better one in a different season.

“The pride of your heart has deceived you” (Obadiah 1:3).
We can talk ourselves into anything, especially as it relates to money. I can easily justify a new house, car, kitchen, furniture, floors, or grill. But do I really need to upgrade or just repair what I have? How can the Lord trust me with something newer if I have not been a good steward of what He has already given me? Trustworthy people can be trusted with more, but the untrustworthy lose opportunities. Thus manage well your present possessions.

Self-deceivers are self-destroyers; so avoid self-delusion by being accountable. Give others permission to ask you uncomfortable, even hard, questions. Better to be embarrassed sooner than humiliated later. Humility invites the inspection of loving friends into our lives. You do much better when others provide loving accountability that we may not deceive ourselves.