2 Samuel 12:7 — “Nathan then said to David, “You are the man! “

The matter of self-deception must be addressed to be victorious in Jesus!  In 2 Samuel 12, we have the after story of David’s tryst with Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband. Nathan, the prophet, brought him a story of abuse.   David became furious and demanded justice for the abuse.  Nathan took his life in his hands and said, “You are the Man!”

Where was the self-deception? David was at ease with his actions until that moment. We sometimes hear the voices we want to hear. It is what we want. It elevates and gratifies us. Many factors are interlaced: pride, self-evaluation, faux piousness, and blindness.

David saw what enticed him: a beautiful naked woman. He was king, and nobody would refuse his requests. God installed him. He walked in God’s anointing. He was well respected. 

Self-deception had produced an entitlement mentality. He had the power and ability to do whatever he wanted, and nobody would challenge him.  No human dared challenge him, but God did.   David repented, but there was a price to pay.  The child died.

We deceive ourselves by listening to voices that say what we want to hear.   We then twist what we want to hear into being decrees and promises from God.  Deception destroys.  Once it takes root in one area, unless checked, it will spread. 

God never removes choice from the mix.  He did not, even with Jesus.  Jesus chose to obey.  Obedience may mean swallowing our pride and walking away from the hope we created.  But, unless we deal with all deception, we will be destroyed.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Light, and the Life.

We need to examine our hearts, and maybe we will say, “LORD, THAT’S ME. FORGIVE ME!”  God wants to set us free. I have things in my heart that anchor this, but I have no release to say them now.

Beware of deception, and pray that you will not become self-deceived.   Examine what you are pursuing and ask for revelation about and deception.   Confession brings freedom, and I believe God will give you more legitimacy.

If we walk in total openness and honesty before Him, He will give us the Kingdom and the desires of our hearts. Beware of deception.   Deceivers can seem good and righteous.  Deception does not wear a warning sign.

Allow the Holy Spirit to give you discernment and the courage to own your sin, give it to Jesus, and become free!