From the DAWGHouse…
The Danger of Deception
I was listening to Mel Gibson on a Joe Rogan podcast, and he made a comment that pierced my heart: “I get up every morning and pray that I don’t deceive myself.” Pretty deep, right? I immediately thought the statement was profoundly dangerous, and that I should be praying for the same thing.
Deception is one of the oldest and most subtle dangers humanity faces.
From the serpent’s question, “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1), to the ongoing spiritual battles we encounter, the temptation to deceive or be deceived is ever-present. Scripture warns us repeatedly about the peril of deception—not only from others but from within our own hearts.
Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us, “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” This sobering truth points to the reality that we are prone to justifying our actions, rationalizing sin, and seeing ourselves in a more favorable light than is true. The danger of self-deception is that it blinds us to our need for God’s grace, truth, and yes, freedom.
James 1:22-24 echoes this by urging believers to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” A life of faith is not about appearances or lip service but about aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with God’s will. If we hear the Word and fail to apply it, we risk walking in a false sense of security.
Thankfully, God provides the antidote to deception: His Word and His Spirit. Psalm 119:105 proclaims, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we allow the truth to expose falsehoods and illuminate the narrow path of righteousness.
Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Abiding in His Word means dwelling in it consistently and letting it shape our minds and hearts. This guards us against being misled by our feelings, culture, or even well-meaning individuals.
For the men of Forge, what are some practical steps we can take to guard against deception?
Pray for Discernment
Start each day by asking God for wisdom and the ability to see clearly.
Examine Your Heart
Regularly ask yourself: Am I being honest with myself? Am I rationalizing sin? Psalm 139:23-24 is a powerful prayer.
Stay Grounded in Scripture
Make time daily to read and meditate on God’s Word – DAWG. It will sharpen your discernment and provide clarity when faced with difficult choices.
Seek Godly Counsel
Surround yourself with mature believers who will speak truth in love and challenge you to walk in righteousness.
Be Humble and Teachable
Pride often fuels deception, making us resistant to correction. Embrace a spirit of humility, knowing that God “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6).
The danger of deception, both from within and without, is real.
Each morning, as you pray not to deceive yourself, you align your heart with God’s truth—a powerful step in walking faithfully before Him. Remember, Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6), and by following Him, you will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
To Biblical Freedom. To the King.
Joe Bouch
