“If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it; if a man rolls a stone, it will fall back on him.” Proverbs 26:27
Deception is the preferred behavior of those who feel pleasure to present a false persona. There is an unhealthy determination to outdo, overly impress or draw attention to their alleged accomplishments. Their words are charming to your face, but behind your back their conversations are cutting and caustic. It is interesting that the insecure are compelled to seek security in deceptive behavior. They are masters at presenting a misleading mirage.
Moreover, the amount of energy it takes for sly schemes to be created is breathtaking. But when a man or women’s heart is changed by Christ that same amount of effort can be exerted toward eternal matters. It’s Jesus that jump-starts a soul out of self- deception to faith’s fulfillment. If not, deception’s destiny may be that of Haman’s who hung on the gallows of his making, “So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided” (Esther 7:10). Deception can be deadly.
So how do you handle people intent on conniving and deceiving? They could be a bully who uses their position to promote themselves to the demise of their team members. It may be an adult child who maliciously seeks to cut their siblings out of their parent’s will. Or it may be outright stealing from a partner you thought walked in integrity. First, make sure you are free from any self-imposed deception. Come clean with Christ and others.
Secondly, Christ-like confrontation is necessary to expose a deceiver’s agenda. Go to them with gentleness and humility with the goal of restoration, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). If there is still no remorse, deception carries a consequence of its own. Am I aware and repentant of my own devious tendencies? Am I willing to confront deception in the destructive behavior of someone else?
Related Readings: Psalm 7:15-16; 9:15-16; 2 Corinthians 4:2; Galatians 6:7
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