WEEK 4 DAY 4
The Deception We Can't See
Devotional
There's something unsettling about deception - it's not just that we believe lies, it's that we're convinced they're true. Unlike someone who knowingly tells a lie, when we're deceived, we genuinely believe the false thing we're thinking. This makes deception far more dangerous than simple dishonesty. Here's what makes it even trickier: we're remarkably good at spotting deception in others while being completely blind to it in ourselves. You can probably think of someone right now who believes something that seems obviously false to you. Yet they can't see it, no matter how clearly you try to explain it to them. The uncomfortable truth is that we all have blind spots - areas where we're deceived but don't know it. Maybe it's believing that God's love for you depends on your performance. Perhaps it's thinking you're worthless because of past mistakes. Or it could be assuming that life has no real purpose or meaning. These deceptions don't just affect our thoughts - they shape our actions. Before we ever act wrongly, we've usually believed something wrong. The person who cheats has first believed that dishonesty will solve their problem. The person who explodes in anger has believed that others are intentionally trying to hurt them. This is why we desperately need Jesus as our teacher, not just our savior. He doesn't just forgive our wrong actions; He corrects our wrong thinking. Through His Word and His Spirit, He gently reveals our blind spots and helps us see truth clearly. The first step to freedom from deception is humility - admitting that we might be wrong about some things we're certain about.
Bible Verse
'You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.' - Ephesians 4:22-24
Reflection Question
What beliefs about yourself, God, or life are you absolutely certain about that might actually be deceptions you can't see?
Quote
We are able to see the deception in other people much easier than we are to see the deception in us. We don't see our own deception.
Prayer
Jesus, I humbly admit that I may be deceived in ways I can't see. Open my eyes to the lies I've believed as truth. Be my teacher and guide me into all truth. Help me have the courage to change my mind when You show me I'm wrong. Amen.
*This devo was developed using Sermon Shots
There's something unsettling about deception - it's not just that we believe lies, it's that we're convinced they're true. Unlike someone who knowingly tells a lie, when we're deceived, we genuinely believe the false thing we're thinking. This makes deception far more dangerous than simple dishonesty. Here's what makes it even trickier: we're remarkably good at spotting deception in others while being completely blind to it in ourselves. You can probably think of someone right now who believes something that seems obviously false to you. Yet they can't see it, no matter how clearly you try to explain it to them. The uncomfortable truth is that we all have blind spots - areas where we're deceived but don't know it. Maybe it's believing that God's love for you depends on your performance. Perhaps it's thinking you're worthless because of past mistakes. Or it could be assuming that life has no real purpose or meaning. These deceptions don't just affect our thoughts - they shape our actions. Before we ever act wrongly, we've usually believed something wrong. The person who cheats has first believed that dishonesty will solve their problem. The person who explodes in anger has believed that others are intentionally trying to hurt them. This is why we desperately need Jesus as our teacher, not just our savior. He doesn't just forgive our wrong actions; He corrects our wrong thinking. Through His Word and His Spirit, He gently reveals our blind spots and helps us see truth clearly. The first step to freedom from deception is humility - admitting that we might be wrong about some things we're certain about.
Bible Verse
'You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.' - Ephesians 4:22-24
Reflection Question
What beliefs about yourself, God, or life are you absolutely certain about that might actually be deceptions you can't see?
Quote
We are able to see the deception in other people much easier than we are to see the deception in us. We don't see our own deception.
Prayer
Jesus, I humbly admit that I may be deceived in ways I can't see. Open my eyes to the lies I've believed as truth. Be my teacher and guide me into all truth. Help me have the courage to change my mind when You show me I'm wrong. Amen.
*This devo was developed using Sermon Shots