What is Self-Deception?

Self-deception is when someone:

b. Thinks they have more than they indeed have:

This form of self-deception involves overestimating one's possessions, achievements, or status. It could be material wealth, intellectual prowess, or spiritual growth.

¹⁶Then He spoke a parable to them, saying: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. ¹⁷And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do since I have no room to store my crops?’ ¹⁸So he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ¹⁹And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.” ²⁰But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’ ²¹“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:16-21)

The rich man in the parable believed his wealth and possessions guaranteed his future, but he failed to recognise the true value of spiritual riches and his relationship with God. The man was called a fool by God not because he was rich but because he lived without any awareness of and preparation for eternity. He was deceived into thinking that he had more than enough for any outcome of life.

As a Pastor, I was once invited to visit a beautiful, luxurious house of a man who had recently returned from working abroad on a cruise liner. The man, full of pride and arrogance, started boasting about his accomplishments, attributing his success solely to his hard work and determination. He gave me a grand tour of his house, filled with extravagant furnishings and expensive artwork.

During our conversation, the man started demeaning the Lord and His servants, claiming that devoting only one day a week to God was more than enough. Sensing the man's misguided beliefs, I gently corrected him and warned him against speaking against God, as there could be severe repercussions. I also reminded him that his achievements and possessions were, in fact, gifts from God.

The man laughed at me, insisting that he had earned everything himself and that God had no part in his success. He remained unyielding and unconvinced by my counsel. A few months later, I received the news that this man had suddenly passed away from a heart attack.

“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:17)

The church at Laodicea was spiritually impoverished, but they were deceived by their own perception of their spiritual condition. They looked within themselves and, saw riches, wealth, and believed they needed nothing more. They were far from the spiritual humility that Jesus praised in Matthew 5:3 when he said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Lord Jesus, however, saw their true spiritual state and found them wanting. He gazed upon their souls and saw their wretchedness. He looked again and saw their misery. A third time, Jesus peered into their hearts and found them to be poor in spirit. As he continued to examine them, He found that they were also blind to the truth and the depth of their spiritual need. Ultimately, Jesus revealed to them that they were spiritually naked, devoid of the true richness and righteousness that comes from a close relationship with Him.

Despite their outward appearance of success and prosperity, the Laodiceans were oblivious to their spiritual poverty. They were deceived into thinking that they were self-sufficient, but in reality, they were lacking the one thing that truly mattered: a humble and authentic relationship with the Lord. It is a stark reminder for all of us to continually examine our own hearts and minds, ensuring that we are not self-deceived and fall prey to the same delusions that plagued the church at Laodicea.

What is Self-Deception? - II

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