Beware of Self-Deception
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
It is easy to rationalize our thoughts and behaviors, but that leads to self-deception. As the saying goes, “There’s no one more blind than the one who refuses to see.” Of course, self-deception leads to self-destruction. Perhaps, it would behoove all of us to audit ourselves with the help of Holy Spirit. Be willing to see what’s hiding beneath the surface, and actually do something about it. Like repent and make some changes.
1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
While it’s true we are saved by grace (see Ephesians 2:8-9), we cannot afford to abuse it, or attempt to hide behind it. If we decide to just go about our “merry way,” hoping grace will keep us from driving off a cliff, we could be in for a rude awakening. Here’s a passage of Scripture that might get one’s attention.
Matthew 7:19-23 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.
Fruits refers to our ways. Actions don’t always reveal what’s in the heart. Read Matthew 6, where Jesus talks about the hypocrites who seek the honor of men by doing by their public display of “good works,” for example. People have a misconception that signs and wonders are signs of God’s stamp of approval on their life; however, they are there to confirm His Word and bring Him glory. Gifts work, regardless of the person. For instance,
And one of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one Man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation (John 11:49-51).
Notice, Caiaphas did not speak of himself, but it was the office of the high priest that worked through him. Later, he would cry, “Crucify Him!” Was his heart right before God? There are numerous lessons to be learned from Matthew 7; but for now, let’s narrow the focus.
2 Corinthians 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
One Example: Forgiveness
There are many areas of which to audit, so we’ll look at just one major area (not to dimmish any other). How do we view forgiveness? How many Christians hold grudges? Is that okay? Yes, it’s a rhetorical question, but a lot of people talk out of both sides of their mouth when it comes to this subject. On one side, they’ll proclaim the forgiveness of God, and the merits of forgiveness. On the other, they talk of retaliation when someone does something offensive to them. That manifests in different ways, and at the center of it is pride. You can hear it in their voice when they talk about how they would deal with someone who should do them wrong. A lot of the ways they mention are what they learned from others while growing up (parents, close relatives, friends). Regardless of the source, it’s still unbiblical.
Matthew 6:14-15 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Jesus makes it very clear: if you will not forgive others, God will not forgive you. Read Matthew 18:21-35, in which Jesus refers to the importance of being merciful. Verse 35 serves as another stark warning: So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses. Those who fail to extend mercy, will not have mercy extended to them.
The intent is not to use fear and torment to motivate anyone to action. The fear of the Lord is appropriate, but let’s not forget love. Perhaps, think about it this way: if a person refuses to forgive others, does he or she actually walk in love? 1 Corinthians 13:5 tells us, love is not easily provoked, nor takes into account a wrong suffered. This leads us back to Matthew 7:23 where Jesus said, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity.”
1 Corinthians 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of Him.
One aspect of those who practice iniquity is they do not love God. He knows those who love Him. They are intimate with Him. Love extends mercy for the sake of God and the individual. Being in right standing includes forgiveness! By the way, His grace enables us to forgive when it seems impossible.
