Selwyn continues to look at the issue of self-deception … ‘where the clear distinction between right and wrong has been blurred by specious arguments that have as their end, self-interest’.
He goes on to ask this question: “How do those who are self-deceived become awakened to their condition?” I totally agree with Selwyn’s response – only God’s light can break through the dark wall of deception.
I think that self-deception starts with a weakening of our conscience in regard to its ability to identify sin. Usually, our spiritual sight become blurred and darkened concerning some form of sin in our lives – a type of sin which we like – a type of sin which deep down we don’t want to address.
In, 1 John 1:5-10 (NIV), we read: ” … This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us. … “
I think that one of the first steps back into the light of truth; is to invite God into our lives to search all the hidden places in our hearts and to expose any sin by the light of His powerful Word. It starts with the humble attitude that we all sin – and, often it’s a matter of seeking God’s help to identify it, to repent, and to seek God’s forgiveness and purification. Sinful people tend to present themselves as ‘good, as any other’ person; we know