Our patterns of co-dependency developed from our dysfunctional families become one of the driving forces of deception. Dysfunction teaches us two things. First, it is not safe for us to discuss our problems, and especially not the cause of the problem Secondly it teaches us not to tell anyone about our “family secrets”. The result of holding our pain to ourselves causes us to develop avoidance and escape mechanisms into our ways of thinking to help us deal with our pain. Thus, we fall into a spiral of pain and avoidance until that which we are becomes covered by pain, bitterness and un-forgiveness. Depression and failed relationships cloud what we really are to the point we are not even sure. Let us look at some of the ways that deception stops us from entering into the abundant life, Jesus died for us to have.

1. Hearing but not doing; James 1:22-27
Since Adams' fall a stigma has occurred in man's thinking where he believes with knowledge he can solve his problem, man needs God not knowledge in this area. Therefore, we go on a quest to gain knowledge, thinking that knowledge will bring us to life. Lord let me know what the problem is, Lord tell me what the answer is. We seldom get an answer to those kinds of prayer, because just knowing will not bring lasting healing or relief from pain. Put into practice what you hear, this means we have to hear it preached, hear ourselves repeat it and begin to put it into practice. This is not just something we do to overcome a problem but rather a lifestyle that we choose. James plainly says that if we only hear we have deceived ourselves. I think it is because we choose Adams sin, eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil instead of the tree of life. Am I against knowledge no I study the Bible as much as anyone; I read books and love learning. I believe you should learn something new everyday. Knowledge however is not my source; my communion with the Lord leads me to life.

2. If we claim to be without sin; 1 John 1:8
One of the first avoidance mechanisms that we build into our thinking is denial. If we as children our caregivers did not allow us to properly deal with our pain, we deny its existence. Our inner man formed by God cries out for closure and restitution of wrongs. Think about this for just a moment, if someone you trust steals a lot of money from you, you can word through it by forgiveness, fight thoughts of revenge and struggle with the issue until you get the matter under the Blood of Jesus. However if that person who stole from you, comes to your house with twice the amount he stole with a broken and contrite spirit of repentance, the issue is over immediately. The law clearly shows Gods plan to deal with relational sin is restitution. Before I even start down this path, I know you are thinking I am not under law I am under grace. Gods’ laws are just like the laws of nature; gravity exists and still works but the law of aerodynamics overcomes the law of gravity. Gods laws exist to bring protection and life into our existence, not to condemn or oppress us. In Deuteronomy, the law clearly lays out the plan for restitution concerning the theft and the killing of livestock. If someone stole your sheep, he by law had to restore sometimes seven times what he stole. To kill another’s sheep called for restoration of that sheep. However if the sheep was killed on purpose it had to be restored with seven sheep. I hope you see these laws are not about sheep, but rather relationship restoration. We see in God’s plan not so much that he cares about sheep, but he cares about our interpersonal relationships. Regardless of the reasoning when we choose denial over confession, we deceive ourselves.

3. If we compare ourselves to other people, look down on others, or think we are wise by the world’s standard, 1 Corinthians 3:18, Galatians 6:1-5
We become the most deceived when we compare ourselves with others. If I compare myself with someone else depending upon my viewpoint I could see my strengths, their weaknesses and become filled with pride that I am better than they are. I could take the view of seeing my weaknesses and their strengths and become depressed or angry trying to become them. God has created us all uniquely with a purpose and a plan divinely inspired by the Father. We cannot function in another’s life each person has their own set of strengths and weaknesses. When I compare myself with others or look down on others in essence, I join myself with the original sin of Adam. I say to God, “I don’t trust you; you really don’t know what is best for me.”

If you desire a fulfilled life, find Gods purpose and begin to walk in that purpose. If my calling is, life is to be a door attendant, let me learn to be the best I can be. Why to please God, no when I came to Jesus I pleased God. nothing I do or do not do changes that. I will always be pleasing to God, because of my relationship with Jesus. My relationship with Him is never in jeopardy when Jesus saved me I received his DNA. God adopted me into His family my actions do however determine my communion with God. If I want to “know” God I must come to Him His way, conform my life to His word. Understand He will not conform to my way of thinking. Gods’ word then becomes a tool he uses to change my life, not a storybook or a religious practice or even an arsenal to prove everyone else wrong.