Self-Deception:
Self, is united to certain personal pronouns and distinctions and signifies personal interest, or, the love of private interests. One can be self-interested. That is having self-interests, or being concerned only for one’s self.
Selfishness: The exclusive regard of a person to and for their own interest and happiness. It is sometimes described as the supreme preference, or self-loving, flaws of men. This self-focus leads them in their actions, directs their purpose, this in a way that advances their own self interests, power, and happiness, without regarding the interests of others.
Selfishness in its worst or unqualified sense, is the very essence of human depravity, and stands in direct opposition to a desire to do good which is the essence of the Christ’s character. As God is love, so man, in his natural state is selfishness.
Self-deception includes all the various deceits that men practice in forming a judgment, or receiving an impression of their own state, character, and conduct. Also it includes these deceptions which make them impose upon themselves, the making of promises which are broken, and contracts which are never kept.
Self-deception shows itself in the following ways.
1. A person judges their own character, on which they confer the idea of self-examination. In doing this, that person heaps upon themselves unearned credits for their traits and character.
2. Self-deception will take credit from others concerning a work, or deeds, credit which they are not entitled to.
3. A selfish person when taking action on something, will assign to themselves the highest praise and place. They speak of their achievements as being the ultimate good.
4. A selfish person will deceive themselves in the flattering of themselves. They will indulge themselves in the idea that their failures are but individual acts into which they have been drawn by some temptation, situation, victimization, or just bad luck.
5. Self-deception confuses the simple assent of their understanding, that which is naturally understood by others in situations or communication; becoming but a momentary thought. Natural ways and common ideas are not understood by them. Their goals are never achieved because they have no course of action, no goal in mind, think short term, and require instant results: this for work that takes planning, time, patience, and dedication. Self deception now takes control of their impulses, feelings, and the determination of their will. Failure usually prevails, and the excuses begin.
6. Those that deceive themselves are more apt to mark as good, their own settled tenants, truths, assertions, and actions. They heap praise, upon themselves, though the results they achieve are nothing but the effects of natural conditions and conclusions.
7. In estimating the character of others, they usually judge what they see, and not the person’s motives. But In the judging of themselves, they overrate their own worth, by overestimating the motives of their actions.
8. These often deceive themselves by comparing their actual character with their former character and conduct. They too easily buy into various unnatural methods of rooting out that which they believe to be defective, or imperfect in them. Or they may believe that their defects or faults may improve with the passing of time, age, or some altered circumstance.
9. They are always ready to excuse, or at least to lessen their faults concerning a particular situation, or position. They congratulate themselves on the absence of any bad habits, or actions which they are under no temptation, or position to commit.
10. They deceive themselves by imagining that which they believe to be true, and is not, having a form of remorse = (I’m sorry), but it is not true repentance.
11. They form improper judgments on others. They attempt to force or pass their own ideas and ways upon others, but are not willing to take responsibility for the ultimate results if wrong.
The objects as to which people deceive themselves in religious environments, and movements are numerous. Self-deceived people, selfish people will attempt to impose their own will, action, and motives upon the God-head, Scripture, its Gospel doctrines, personal religious experiences, sin, heaven, hell, etc. The results may be catastrophic. Jim Jones, David Korish and those who followed them are good example.
The causes for self-deception are great, powerful and many. It can be: Satan, his disciples, the world, personal lusts, a hardening of the heart, self interests, or personal prejudices. Those who deceive themselves are many in number. The young and old, the rich and poor, the hypocrite, the apostate, and the ungodly, each and every one are guilty of this sin.
Self-deception has many faces, and carries with it, an awful consequence. It can render men slaves of procrastination, lead other to overate themselves, flatter themselves with the idea of easy victories, confirm evil deeds, and will eventually expose them to many forms of ensnarement’s.
How not to be deceived: Those of the faith should begin to understand, then practice and strive for strict self-inquiry, prayer, watchfulness, and the use Scripture as a personal guide for their life..
Sin may be the object of our fears. It may come from a lack of a good conscience. The things we do, the thoughts we have may not appeal to God, because our motives and aims are not sincere.
Christian’s should always be dependent on God’s promises, providence, and grace, attempting always to conform to His ways in righteousness and truth. In doing this God will bless us, preventing us from becoming a selfish people.
Phillip Laspino www.seekfirstwisdom.com