Have I Been Deceived?

Who are those who fear the Lord? He will show them the path they should choose. [Psalm 25.12]

So, if I am not feeling like the LORD is showing me the way to go or the thing to do, perhaps I do not actually "fear the LORD."

At this time in my life, I am more confused and directionless than ever before.  Concurrent with this condition however is the fact that I have found more lived-out devotion than at any other time in my life! Have I been deceived?

"Those who fear the LORD," as I see it today, are not deceived. As Christians are all aware, deception was among the first sins given account of in the Bible. Satan deceived the woman ("has God really said...?") who then, in partnership with her husband, attempted to deceive God about their disobedience by hiding from Him.

With deception introduced to us at such an early point in the history of the Bible, perhaps we should pay just a little more attention to it ourselves in modern times! We may say we fear the LORD, but do we? The litmus test is found (according to Psalm 25.12) in our being shown the right path. Who can honestly say they never have trouble choosing the right path? I can't. So, have I deceived myself to think I actually fear the LORD? Again, have I been deceived?

It would be prudent to understand here that deception is tricky! We would never allow ourselves to be deceived outright, right? But what about 'just a little' indulgence - it can't hurt, right? It is in the 'little indulgence' that the fear of the LORD is absent entirely! And, that little indulgence will never be content to stay little. While we may think we have it under control, or in moderation, that very thought is at work to destroy us (it is, after all, deception) by contenting us that we are okay - maybe even Godly - while gently persuading us to 'wade a little' deeper into our indulgence (sin).

I think the best we can do, is ask ourselves daily, "Have I been deceived?" And, after we ask this question, we need to pay attention at that time to what the Spirit brings to mind. It may surprise us what is revealed through this exercise. Then, there is that choice as to what to do with it once it is revealed!

Father, help us to seek out and purge deception from our lives. Help us to obey You and the voice of Your Holy Spirit as You reveal our 'deceptions' to us!