Last year, a bizarre TV game show began airing in France. Contestants were given questions and all went well if they answered correctly. But a wrong answer proved to be deadly. For the erring contestants were then commanded to throw a switch that appeared to force another contestant—strapped in the “hot seat”—to endure a lethal 420 volts of electricity. This death “game” was meant to show the manipulative power of authority, but for the contestants who thought they were electrocuting someone (the “hot seat” contestant was actually an actor feigning getting zapped), it was all too real.
It definitely wouldn’t be fun to be fooled on this foolish show! But sometimes you and I might actually be found “fooling ourselves” (1 John 1:8). The apostle John put it this way, “We are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; . . . not practicing the truth” (1 John 1:6). His point is clear: Following any religious instruction or living in any way that is contrary to Jesus’ teachings shows that we’ve embraced spiritual darkness. We’re fooling ourselves and “lying” to God (1 John 1:6).
Here are some common ways we sinfully select darkness instead of God’s light:
• Choosing fellowship with the world over fellowship with God out of selfishness and sinful pride.
• Living a legalistic life that places erroneous traditions above God’s truth.
• Trying to hide our sins instead of confessing them to God.
All of these things point to a heart issue. For us to move back into the light of Jesus will require true repentance—turning away from sin-seeking people and things that ensnare us, confessing our sin to God, and walking in His light (1 John 1:9).
Are we ready? It’s time to stop fooling ourselves.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 21:28-46
More:
As you read John 8:12, consider what it looks like to truly “follow” Jesus.
Next:
How have you been dabbling in the darkness of this world? What will you do this week to begin walking in the light of Jesus?
daisymarygoldr on September 2, 2011 at 2:24 am
You are absolutely right; we are walking in the darkness by living a legalistic life that places erroneous traditions above God’s truth. That is one side of the coin. The other side is—to live a liberalistic life that exalts erroneous human reasoning above absolute truth.
Legalism exchanges the grace of God with works. And liberalism perverts the gospel and changes the grace of God into a license for immorality. To walk in God’s light, it is important we remain centered on the timeless truths of the Bible—while avoiding the two extremes.
Thanks Tom Felten for the timely reminder to stop fooling ourselves!
tom felten on September 2, 2011 at 12:15 pm
daisymarygoldr, thanks for contrasting the legastic and liberal ways of living out our faith. Excellent insights! Paul implored us to, “Preach Christ.” If we truly stay centered in what He said and instructed—not adding to it or watering it down—we’ll live powerful lives to His glory. May the Holy Spirit help us do that today.
genegoh89 on September 2, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Ohh boy. Thanks for that. I think all Christians need reminders like this.
ronb23 on September 2, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Once we confess to our sins and stop fooling ourselves, God will continue giving us the strength and help we need to get our lives in order.
bearpair on September 2, 2011 at 3:35 pm
Good words of wisdom, Tom! How easily we can be deceived by the world and all of its trappings, often robbing us of the joy & relationship we already possess in Christ!
marvin williams on September 3, 2011 at 9:42 am
Tom, this is so spot on. The times I become self-delusional, I can feel the all so subtle prick from the Holy Spirit in my heart, telling me I am moving toward the dark side and inviting me to live in the light. Sometimes I forget I am a partaker of the divine nature and have power to live like Jesus. Part of my thank you to God for giving me life is a holy and obedient life. Thanks for the strong word of warning and encouragement.