The danger of self-deception is a trap anyone can fall into. We must guard our hearts while remaining open to God’s guidance and correction. Unfortunately, we all have blind spots, and while others may easily recognize the danger ahead, we can be blind to our faults. Galatians 6:3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. [1]
This highlights the dangers of pride and self-conceit, where individuals overestimate their own importance or righteousness. 1 John 1:8If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth.[2] If we are honest with God and genuinely seek Him, we can ask Him to reveal areas of sin in our lives that we may overlook as problems.
The Blindspot of Riches
While ministering, Jesus encountered a young man who had a question for Him. Luke 18:18Good Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked him. “Only God is truly good. 20 But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. Honor your father and mother.'” 21 The man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.” [3]
As we examine the young man’s response, it becomes clear that he is fooling himself. When Jesus tells him to sell all he has and follow, he walks away sad because he was very wealthy. As we read this, it’s easy to see the deception, but what areas in our lives would Jesus point out where we are deceiving ourselves? It’s always humbling when we pray and ask the Lord to reveal areas in our lives where we need to change. After speaking with the Lord, we can either repent of our sins or ignore the conviction of sin. God always wants us to repent, and when we do, we’re forgiven. Forgiveness is a great gift—Jesus’ death and His blood have already paid for all sins.
Salvation is Only Found in Jesus
The young man may have thought that keeping commandments would somehow get him into heaven, but he was wrong. Yes, the Lord wants us to keep the commandments, but only faith in Jesus as our Savior will allow us to enter the gates of heaven upon our death. Wealth in this man’s life was an obstacle, which is why Jesus asked him to give his riches to people experiencing poverty and follow Him.
What do you and I need to remove from our lives that might be an obstacle to following Jesus? If our basis for eternal security is rooted in things of this world, whatever they may be, we may need to ask God to help us remove that obstacle from our lives. Acts 4:12There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” [4] If you have never placed your faith in Jesus, He is calling you now to repent of your sins, turn to Him, and receive the gift of salvation.
To learn more about the danger of self-deception, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-cost-of-discipleship
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.