GENESIS 20:11-12. “And Abraham said, ‘Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake. And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife.’” DECEPTION. It has happened again because of the fear of man – a half truth is easily spoken. The scene seems so similar and the circumstances are the same – we can get used to sin. Strangers who have no knowledge of our God, and for some reason we fear – not all the truth. Why is such a matter so easily slipped into without a real thought – do we need approval? Or are we getting used to deception?
It seems at the moment, the best way to go; it will smooth the way – human reasoning. Then the words are out and there is no way to get them back into the mouth – part of it is true. The end result seems to me to justify the means, so on the spur of the moment – spoken words. The effect doesn’t seem to have created a problem but rather a solution – maybe it’s alright. The subtlety of deception.
At first there is a sense of unease inside and one wonders at one’s self – why did I say that? Then there seems to be barrier between the soul and God in prayer – God knows. The heart and mind are moved to correct the wrong but one waits to see – the smile is gone. Finally, confession to God and forsaking of the sin of half truth – and relief comes. The cure for deception.
But all does not seem bright in an instant for deception leaves residue – guilt takes awhile to go. Prayer is that of a person pronounced free because of the mercy given – grace becomes real. Light slowly fills the soul again and one finds the fellowship hindered, back – but it takes time. The embarrassment of facing my benevolent Father is real, but inside – I am so glad. He heard from me confession of deception.
Father knows how best to heal the problems deception may have created – He is all-knowing. His honor is important to the wayward son and the attitude of carelessness is gone – fellowship. Words of healing come from the Father’s book and correction is real – thank God for grace. Joy comes again and the lesson hopefully is learned and won’t have to be again – I am His child. But deception waits for another day.
“Father, I am afraid this problem arises in me far too often. Please give me a sensitivity to the circumstances around which deception flourishes. Help me be prepared ahead of time not to flatter or in any way try to deceive either for good or bad reasons. I know deception is wrong and I confess this sin in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”