SELF-DECEPTION

Self-deception is another way of explaining a lifestyle of denial.  The more we argue, rationalize, minimize, excuse, blame, bargain, and engage in the many forms of denial, the harder it is for us to recognize what a true assessment of our situation really is.  There comes a time when our ability to know and respond truthfully in a given situation is compromised. 

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.  (Jeremiah 17:9-10a NLT)

One of the reasons we surround ourselves with healthy people and good sponsors is that we need help to recognize the unconscious lies we continue to tell ourselves.  We conveniently forget truthful facts that go against what we are choosing to believe.  In this process of letting go of self-deception we need to read God’s Word and adjust our thoughts, will, and desires to obey what we learn.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)

Procrastination and perfectionism are two enemies of honest self-assessment.  We easily tell ourselves that we will do what we know we need to do, but not just yet. Perfectionism keeps us focused on only one viewpoint which means we neglect a balanced approach to life and recovery. It also leads to disappointment and discouragement and fuels the emotions which lead to relapse. If either of these two are not deceiving us, then simple busyness can be an obstacle to an accurate assessment of where things are at and any action that might be required.  We need to review what we should be doing, what we need to be learning, what part of recovery we need to be focusing on, and give priority time to those things.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I confess that many times I have sought to escape responsibility for my actions through denial and other ways of deceiving myself.  Please give me the courage and strength to do whatever is necessary so that I may live with a clear and honest perception of the reality of life and who I am. I want to turn my will and life over to Your care.  Amen