Deceit

“The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

By nature, we are deceitful creatures of habit.  This doesn’t mean we deceive others all the time.  But, we are certainly motivated to do it, especially if it gets us what we want.  However, the Holy Spirit that resides in us is able to limit, as with all sin, the amount of deceit we are capable of committing.

Some people live as though God never existed.  As if His Word never had been given.  As if they could do or say anything without consequences.  Sadly, even some believers act this way.  But God made it clear that our relationship with Him should be the focus of our lives.  That His Word should be the standard for our thoughts and behavior.

This commitment changes everything!  It impacts how we think and act, our goals and standards, and our motives.  We realize that change when, as Christians, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)  The Bible tells us that God’s people represent Him!  Others look to us as His representatives and that means that we need to be trustworthy and honest, and set good examples.

Some Israelites did not understand those truths, and felt justified in resorting to deception.  Some were willing to violate God’s Word or deceive others if they felt this would benefit them.  What is the basis of this deceit and deception?  It stems from sin in our hearts.  At its root, this means that we have acted “unfaithfully against the LORD.” (See Leviticus 6:2)  That we have the wrong attitude toward God Himself.

Today, remember to make God and His Word your foundation.  The focus of your life. Seek to please Him and to serve and obey Him. Be on guard against any temptation to cheat or deceive, and ask Him free you from sin and help you be faithful. Be honest in your actions and attitudes.

Always speak the truth.  Always be His witness.

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