Deceit: the act of causing someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid, the quality of being dishonest or misleading: the quality of being deceitful.
In a previous blog, I wrote, “distraction is often deceit’s trap door,” meaning that distraction is a common tactic for redirecting your attention away from their true intentions. When used wisely, this works, like the pediatrician, who uses a toy to distract a child when giving vaccinations.
However, when distraction is used deceitfully, the objective is to challenge and change your beliefs to become more in line with their beliefs.
Deceit uses half-truths cleverly crafted to lead you into thinking that your beliefs or values are antiquated or somehow harmful to others; therefore, you need updating or changed altogether. If we are living life on borrowed beliefs, those of our parents, family, or our place of worship instead of our own, we become susceptible to deceitful people.
If we know what we believe, why we believe it, and allow our healthy beliefs to the lens through we view the world, we aren’t easily distracted or deceived. Moreover, we daily cultivate our beliefs through reading, learning, growing, and applying our beliefs daily, no matter how difficult the day.
If we’re living our lives based upon borrowed beliefs, untested and uncertain, we become very susceptible of being deceived. Easily deceived by charismatic men, women, and movements instead of grounded in timeless, tested truths. Truths that teach us that one life, your life, can make a difference and that our healthy beliefs become the bedrock by which we help build a better world.
Timeless, trusted truths do not need any help from deceit. Be mindful that foundations built upon lies and deceit will never stand the test of time. Deceitful false prophets and fake news is nothing new. That’s why Jesus said to his disciples, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6.
Maybe it’s time for you to evaluate your beliefs, discover what you believe, why you believe it, and how to live your life according to healthy beliefs.
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FYI: I also provide one-on-one coaching, if you would like to improve your relationships, or you want someone to talk to, e-mail me at ‘rturner@transformingfamilies.org’, and we’ll schedule a time to connect. My hope for you is that through these blogs, references, and resources, God will transform you from being bruised or broken to an abundantly blessed child of God.
Randy, Your Blog today speaks volumes of truth on today’s society.
You are missed but I do enjoy your writing.