Self-deception is a common human trait. Animals don’t deceive themselves, as far as we know.  The present political season is an example of what I am talking about.  Many times we convince ourselves of something that is not true, but functions to make us less anxious,  to inflate our ego, to provide a reason for avoidance of a difficult situation, to cheer us when circumstances are adverse, to justify bad behavior, to escape responsibility, to hide our sin and weakness from ourselves, and so on.

In the confession of sins we must put all deception aside, so that before our Creator we are as honest as we can be.  Luther writes that one need not confess all sins; it is impossible to remember them all. But, we are not purposely to suppress acknowledgement of those things we have done wrong.  We can not deceive God with our self-deception.  We ask God to cleanse us from known and unknown sins.

The psalmist of  Psalm 51 states it well, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.  Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.  Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,”  (Psalm 51: 1-4a ESV) The Collect for Purity acknowledges that we can not hide our secrets from God.

We must remember what Psalm 139 states: “. . . where shall I flee from your presence?” His question is rhetorical.  It has only one answer–NOWHERE.  (Psalm 139: 7b ESV)

We can’t fool God though we can fool ourselves.  A friend is one who points out our self-deception without being high-handed about it.

The apologist/witness, who represents the Lord, must be honest about himself.  Without this honesty he is a fraud.  With  this honesty we can better understand the weakness and sin of others. How can we lead people to the Lord when we mislead ourselves, and ridiculously attempt to mislead God?

 

Michael G. Tavella

August 31, 2024