Buildontherock: Deceitfulness

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Deceitfulness - The Antidote

author: buildontherock

published: 2020-08-27

Is there anything to counteract our bent to self deception? Fortunately yes. The Bible provides guidelines. If self-deception is about fooling people then the solution must be to respect the views of those who know us best: God, the Church and our parents. This is a combination attack. The Bible is perfect but it does not have everything spelled out. Our parents know us but they are not perfect. Even so there is more than likely some element of truth in every observation that they make about us, even when we don't like it. The Church can help us if they are grounded in the faith because the Bible explains the benefit of a multitude of counselors.

God, the Family and the Church

Consider an article

PSYBLOG12, February 2011, Finding The Surprising Gaps in Your Self-Knowledge

Self schema theory

There is a psychological theory describing how we think about ourselves called self-schema theory.

This theory says that we have developed 'schemas', like internal maps of our personalities, which we use to understand and explain our current and future behaviour to ourselves, e.g. I'm always on time for meetings so I'm a conscientious person.

People that showed no clear pattern were labelled aschematic, i.e. having no schema about the characteristic under investigation, either for or against. These people did not know how they were depicted with regard to that trait and truly didn't care either way. The ones who cared and fell short were in another group and the ones who cared and excelled were in another group.

We all have these aschematic areas in our self-knowledge where we don't know and don't care. The only way for us to find out is to ask other people, but this would expose us to the risk of embarrassment. God created a sand box for us to explore these gaps in our awareness and change them if necessary. It consists of God, the family and the Church.

God

Some people are atheists and some are agnostic. As far as atheists are concerned they often claim that they are also scientists but atheist and scientist to me are mutually exclusive. The laws of Thermodynamics show that this universe could not produce itself. Something from outside the material universe, and not bound by they laws of this universe, had to create it. Atheists deceive themselves. Agnostics claim that you cannot know that things exist outside of the material universe but the same answer counters that claim. The material universe could not have created itself but it is here, therefore we know that things outside of the material universe exist. Agnostics deceive themselves. As to the elements of Gods character, that can be investigated by examining His creation. What type of person builds something like this? Again they all deceive themselves.

Science and reality establishes that there must be a God. The next logical step for me is to decide if He has just abandoned us to do as we please. Do we seek after Him or is He supposed to come for us? Are both determined to take place but at different times with different rewards? Every person would have to go on a journey of discovery to see if their religion has answers worthy of such an immense personality in power and character. Christianity has provided the best answers for me, actually true Christianity provides perfect answers as I see it. It tells us where we came from, where we are going and how to get there. It makes it very clear that God forms a relationship with Christians like that of a marriage and He is a jealous God, not tolerating intermingling with other religions. All religions do not worship the same God (Deuteronomy 12:31, John 8:44).

One of the things that individual professing Christians know in their hearts to be false but deceive themselves with, is that God does not consider their sins important or serious. In their view that always applies to others. But each of us have sins that God considers important and He demands our repentance. The trick is to find them and deal with them.

Ephesians 5:5-7 KJV For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ⁶ Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. ⁷ Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

There it is. Do not let anybody convince you that God does not consider your sins serious. Nobody at all that persists with those attributes will inherit the Kingdom. We cannot live in our comfort zone and inherit the Kingdom. Ephesians 5:6 should be read along with II Timothy 3:16-17 because of Isaiah 28:10-13 [KJV].

II Timothy 3:16-17 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Isaiah 28:10-13 KJV For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: ¹¹ For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. ¹² To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. ¹³ But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.

Gods word is there to fix us but it is not always clearly spelled out in one place. We have to put the pieces together so the first and most important step is to submit to him, all of Him. Most of who He is is described in His word the Bible. He obviously owns us (being creator) and so it makes sense to seek out His expectations. The greatest (which means the supreme, the most important etc.) instruction that He gave is to love God, which includes what He says. We are only permitted to love what we say, or anybody else says, second to that, i.e. on a level less than God. Hence it is our responsibility to search out what we hear and see if it actually came from God or someone's imagination.

Matthew 22:34-40 KJV But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. ³⁵ Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, ³⁶ Master, which is the great commandment in the law? ³⁷ Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

He created us but put Himself through the same experiences that we find grueling and excruciating, so that He would thoroughly understand.

Hebrews 4:15 [KJV] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Psalms 99:9 [KJV] Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.

I Corinthians 3:17 [KJV] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Leviticus 11:44 [KJV] For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

I Peter 1:16 [KJV] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

When we put those scripture together what do we get? God says that He is holy. Holy means corresponding to and satisfying His standards. He lives up to His own standards. He expects us to live up to those same standards. There are no two standards. Whatever we expect of God He also expects of us. We have to step up because He will not step down.

He is the one that keeps it real.

Proverbs 11:4-8 KJV Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. ⁵ The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. ⁶ The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. ⁷ When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. ⁸ The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.

Psalms 37:37-40 KJV Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. ³⁸ But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. ³⁹ But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. ⁴⁰ And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.

God has very high standards and we will be destroyed if we do not reach them but the good news is that if we submit to Him and get rid of our ego He will save us from ourselves by His power. We have to be like Job and see that our righteousness means nothing. All the good that we think we are is an illusion that we have to shake. Once we reach there God can work with us but we first have to come to see that we are not good, or OK or any of the other things that we believe of ourselves. We are simply a work in progress if we are trying our best to please Him. It is not easy because God is satisfied with nothing less than perfection.

Psalms 18:30-32 KJV As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. ³¹ For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? ³² It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.

God gives us many more instructions about improving ourselves and preparing to meet His expectations, but we can only know them if we read His word for ourselves and try our best to apply them. The point is that God is perfect but we certainly are not and the Bible provides some eye-opening truths that will help us to get to the root of our imperfections.

Colossians 3:12-17 KJV Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The world tells us that we must always be the boss but we find a better way in the Bible

James 3:1-18 KJV My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. ² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. ³ Behold, we put bits in the horses mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. ⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. ⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. ⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: ⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. ¹¹ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? ¹² Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. ¹³ Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. ¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. ¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

By these and many more truths that go contrary to human reasoning God opens our eyes to true reality. God makes it clear that His way comes with obligations, a yoke, but He personally commits Himself to ensuring that His yoke is comparatively easy.

Matthew 11:28-30 KJV Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Our Parents

Christian parents have many responsibilities to their parents so if our parents fear God then we are very fortunate and the sandbox is easy to access.

Ephesians 6:4 [KJV] And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

I Timothy 5:8 [KJV] But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

There are many such ways in which godly parents are accountable for their children but whether or not they are, to put it bluntly, if we have a problem with our parents then God has a problem with us. A I see it the sooner we come to accept that the better because He is either going to break us down until we accept it or ignore us to your fate. But notice that if we do then He gives a personal commitment to give us long lives.

The Bible instructs us not to worship anybody (James 2:1-4, Luke 4:8, Matthew 15:9, Revelation 19:10) but it does tell us to honour and respect people, especially those in authority, and at the top of the list is our parents.

Exodus 20:12 [KJV] Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Ephesians 6:1-3 KJV Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) ³ That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

There is a proviso for obeying parents i.e. in the Lord, but none for honouring them. It does not say if they are not drug-lords or psychopaths or abusers. There is no pre-requirement for treating parents with respect. There is no exit clause or condition.

But once again God keeps it real (maintains a perspective grounded in reality).

Matthew 10:21 [KJV] And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

Mark 13:12 [KJV] Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

Luke 21:16 [KJV] And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.

Romans 1:30 [KJV] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Nevertheless He insists that our approach must be one of respecting parents.

Colossians 3:20-21 KJV Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Notice that I put the word of God above parents. The Bible goes to great lengths to tell us that obedience only applies when the instructions that they give us is in the Lord (i.e. not contravening the instructions given by God in His word) but even then we still have to respect them.

People, including us and our parents, can be subject to the problems common to men but God insists that we always respect parents.

II Timothy 3:1-5 KJV This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴ Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; ⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

The Church

The Church comes under the realm of people and hence it is not to be worshipped but at the same time God expects us to treat it with honour. The first problem here is to know who is the Church. We can only get that knowledge from studying and believing what the Bible says on that matter for ourselves, remembering that God puts His Bible above what men (no matter how important) say.

The Church did not begin in the New Testament. We learn from the whole Church: Old and New inductees.

Acts 7:38 [KJV] This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

The whole of the nation of Israel was the Church when it was in the wilderness. They became the Kingdom of God once they reached the Promised Land. I am not sure what to make of them after that point. They did not portray the Kingdom in their lifestyle. Unfortunately they went and conformed to various pagan cultures after they entered the Promised Land. As they did that God would cast them off and they would cry out and He would deliver them. Eventually they rejected God as king starting with Saul and a that point it becomes even murkier.

On an individual basis, all the people that God called to Himself in the Old Testament are also part of the Church. In my opinion it started with Adam but if you are conservative at least with Abel who is called righteous (Luke 11:51, Hebrews 11:4, Matthew 23:35). The experiences of these people have been recorded so that we can learn from them. They are found in both Old and New Testament.

Probably the most famous example of a deceitful heart is in the life of David (2 Samuel 11, 12; 1 Kings 1, 2). He became enraptured by a woman called Bathsheba and it began a sequence of events that lead to the loss of his son and perpetual trouble in his family. David was an outstanding servant of God but had a moment of weakness.

Another example is in 1 Samuel with the life of Saul who convinced himself that he was obedient and that it was the people that caused him to disobey God. Saul's story brings out other aspects of a deceitful heart and shows us how it leads to evil. Saul's behaviour cost him his family and especially a wonderful son called Jonathan.

There are many other examples in the Old Testament including Nadab and Abihu, Solomon, Jeroboam I and Uzzia. In the New Testament the most famous example is in Acts chapter 5 where the story of Ananias and Sapphira is recorded. Then there is 1 and 2 Corinthians dealing with how a whole church mishandled the issue of adultery. As we read the Bible the Church teaches us about how succeptible we are to deceitfulness.

Christ intends to make His church perfect. T that end we should all be concerned with perfection.

Matthew 19:21 [KJV] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

God intends to make the Church perfect which establishes that He knows that it is not yet perfect.

John 17:23 [KJV] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

We are therefore instructed to look to our own perfection without expecting others to be perfect.

Luke 6:40-42 KJV The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. ⁴¹ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? ⁴² Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brothers eye.

To that end he ensures that there are people with gifts of the Holy Spirit that can assist us.

Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ¹³ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

He says that it is not too much to expect. It involves proving that God is right rather than opposing His will.

Romans 12:1-2 [KJV] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The two books of the Bible, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians go together to show how the sandbox of God's Church works. In 1 Corinthians the matter of not tolerating sin in the Church is addressed. In 2 Corinthians the matter of encouraging those who repent is explained. The intricasies of love in the Church is way to extensive to cover here but the sandbox is emphasized.

I Peter 4:8 [KJV] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

What do you Think?

When men want something there does not appear to be anything that they cannot convince themselves is justifiable.

The following extract was taken from Indian Journal of plastic Surgery, "Cleft lip: The historical perspective – 05 March 2011"

In 390 BC, there lived in China, a physician adept in the skill to correct this defect. An 18-year-old youth, Wey Young-Chi who was born in the city of Jen in the province of Hupeh was the first patient. The surgery was performed in Nanking under the watchful eyes of Ying Chung-Khan, the Governor of the province and was a success. After his surgery Wey Young-Chi was recruited into the imperial army and quickly impressed General Lin-Yu, by helping to suppress a revolt. In due course of time, Wey himself rose to the rank of general and later became Governor of the Province of Yee. He eventually became Governor General of the six provinces. Throughout his life he affirmed that he would never have achieved so much if his cleft lip had not been repaired. This surely ranks as the very first of the string of success stories that constitutes the theme of the Smile Train project today!
Indian Journal of plastic Surgery "Cleft lip: The historical perspective – 05 March 2011" Indian Journal of plastic Surgery WEB 2011

On the other hand we also have this story, timestamp April 30th, 2010 | 2:27 am

A baby found alive nearly a day after a failed abortion in Italy had been rejected by his mother because he had a cleft lip and palate, according to reports. The 22-week infant was found breathing a day after the operation. He died one day later in intensive care at a hospital in the mothers home town of Rossano, in southern Italy. The mother, pregnant for the first time, had opted for an abortion after prenatal scans revealed that the foetus had a cleft lip and palate, according to reports in the Italian media. The condition is treatable with surgery. The baby weighing just 11oz survived the procedure, carried out on Saturday in the Rossano Calabro hospital, but was left by doctors to die.
Wesley J. SmithItalian Baby Aborted at 22 Weeks for Cleft Palate Born Alive, Left to DieFirst ThingsWEB2011

and as a comment to the above story we have:

bellez

April 30th, 2010 | 2:27 am

Well this is Obamas World Vison ..Rid the world of defective children..make perfect humans..God the shame of it all..So freaking Sad. I hope they go to jail for murder.

And an unrelated case from an article dated May 10, 2010.

Last week in Burundi, a 5-year old albino boy was killed, his limbs chopped off. They killed his mother too. According to AP:
Ten assailants armed with guns and grenades killed Desire Vyegura, 5, and his mother, Susann Vyegura, in Burundi on Monday, said Kassim Kazungu, head of the Burundi Albino Association.
Both victims had their limbs chopped off. Attackers also pulled out one of Desires eyes and chopped off his mothers breasts, Kazungu said. The attack took place in Cankunko village in the Cendajuru district, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of the capital city, Bujumbura.James OnenHorrific Murder of Albinos Persists in East AfricaFreethought KampalasWEB2011

According to the article The killings are fuelled by superstitious beliefs that human albino body parts will bring others wealth and success.

Because of the large sums of money that people are willing to pay (in excess of $75,000) Between the time of writing and 2007 approximately 10,000 albinos had been displaced or had gone into hiding.

Isaiah 5:16-24 (KJV) But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. ¹⁷ Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat. ¹⁸ Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: ¹⁹ That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! ²⁰ Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! ²¹ Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! ²² Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: ²³ Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! ²⁴ Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

People do wicked and stupid things because of what we believe. Our conscience is what condemns us but our conscience can malfunction because of our self deception. Having a good conscience is important.

1 Timothy 1:19 (KJV) Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

We need to get it right. The three things that we depend on for sanity must be carefully scrutinised otherwise people could be right. We could deserve the abuse because we oppose God and we could also be the source of abuse.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ² Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

people's minds are becoming increasingly perverted. Their consciences are malfunctioning. Are you sure about yours?The key is to know what offends God AND man.

Acts 24:16 (KJV) And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

This is a huge challenge: to know what offends God and man. Do you know what God Himself says or are you relying on second hand information. Has He been historically consistent? What is His plan for the future? What about the historical acts of the Church? Are they consistent with the greatness and example of God as I see in Christ? For me and my faith, my Church and I must be imitating Christ not redefining Him in my image? Have you tried reasoning with your family? We need to do an honest evaluation in order to be sure.

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	Deceitfulness - The Antidote
	author: buildontherock published: 2020-08-27
	Is there anything to counteract our bent to self deception? Fortunately yes. The Bible provides guidelines. If self-deception is about fooling people then the solution must be to respect the views of those who know us best: God, the Church and our parents. This is a combination attack. The Bible is perfect but it does not have everything spelled out. Our parents know us but they are not perfect. Even so there is more than likely some element of truth in every observation that they make about us, even when we don't like it. The Church can help us if they are grounded in the faith because the Bible explains the benefit of a multitude of counselors. More Deceitfulness Articles God, the Family and the Church Consider an article PSYBLOG12, February 2011, Finding The Surprising Gaps in Your Self-Knowledge Self schema theory There is a psychological theory describing how we think about ourselves called self-schema theory. This theory says that we have developed 'schemas', like internal maps of our personalities, which we use to understand and explain our current and future behaviour to ourselves, e.g. I'm always on time for meetings so I'm a conscientious person. People that showed no clear pattern were labelled aschematic, i.e. having no schema about the characteristic under investigation, either for or against. These people did not know how they were depicted with regard to that trait and truly didn't care either way. The ones who cared and fell short were in another group and the ones who cared and excelled were in another group. We all have these aschematic areas in our self-knowledge where we don't know and don't care. The only way for us to find out is to ask other people, but this would expose us to the risk of embarrassment. God created a sand box for us to explore these gaps in our awareness and change them if necessary. It consists of God, the family and the Church. God Some people are atheists and some are agnostic. As far as atheists are concerned they often claim that they are also scientists but atheist and scientist to me are mutually exclusive. The laws of Thermodynamics show that this universe could not produce itself. Something from outside the material universe, and not bound by they laws of this universe, had to create it. Atheists deceive themselves. Agnostics claim that you cannot know that things exist outside of the material universe but the same answer counters that claim. The material universe could not have created itself but it is here, therefore we know that things outside of the material universe exist. Agnostics deceive themselves. As to the elements of Gods character, that can be investigated by examining His creation. What type of person builds something like this? Again they all deceive themselves. Science and reality establishes that there must be a God. The next logical step for me is to decide if He has just abandoned us to do as we please. Do we seek after Him or is He supposed to come for us? Are both determined to take place but at different times with different rewards? Every person would have to go on a journey of discovery to see if their religion has answers worthy of such an immense personality in power and character. Christianity has provided the best answers for me, actually true Christianity provides perfect answers as I see it. It tells us where we came from, where we are going and how to get there. It makes it very clear that God forms a relationship with Christians like that of a marriage and He is a jealous God, not tolerating intermingling with other religions. All religions do not worship the same God (Deuteronomy 12:31, John 8:44). One of the things that individual professing Christians know in their hearts to be false but deceive themselves with, is that God does not consider their sins important or serious. In their view that always applies to others. But each of us have sins that God considers important and He demands our repentance. The trick is to find them and deal with them. Ephesians 5:5-7 KJV For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ⁶ Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. ⁷ Be not ye therefore partakers with them. There it is. Do not let anybody convince you that God does not consider your sins serious. Nobody at all that persists with those attributes will inherit the Kingdom. We cannot live in our comfort zone and inherit the Kingdom. Ephesians 5:6 should be read along with II Timothy 3:16-17 because of Isaiah 28:10-13 [KJV]. II Timothy 3:16-17 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Isaiah 28:10-13 KJV For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: ¹¹ For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. ¹² To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. ¹³ But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. Gods word is there to fix us but it is not always clearly spelled out in one place. We have to put the pieces together so the first and most important step is to submit to him, all of Him. Most of who He is is described in His word the Bible. He obviously owns us (being creator) and so it makes sense to seek out His expectations. The greatest (which means the supreme, the most important etc.) instruction that He gave is to love God, which includes what He says. We are only permitted to love what we say, or anybody else says, second to that, i.e. on a level less than God. Hence it is our responsibility to search out what we hear and see if it actually came from God or someone's imagination. Matthew 22:34-40 KJV But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. ³⁵ Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, ³⁶ Master, which is the great commandment in the law? ³⁷ Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. ³⁸ This is the first and great commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. ⁴⁰ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. He created us but put Himself through the same experiences that we find grueling and excruciating, so that He would thoroughly understand. Hebrews 4:15 [KJV] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Psalms 99:9 [KJV] Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy. I Corinthians 3:17 [KJV] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. Leviticus 11:44 [KJV] For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. I Peter 1:16 [KJV] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. When we put those scripture together what do we get? God says that He is holy. Holy means corresponding to and satisfying His standards. He lives up to His own standards. He expects us to live up to those same standards. There are no two standards. Whatever we expect of God He also expects of us. We have to step up because He will not step down. He is the one that keeps it real. Proverbs 11:4-8 KJV Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death. ⁵ The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way: but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. ⁶ The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them: but transgressors shall be taken in their own naughtiness. ⁷ When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth. ⁸ The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead. Psalms 37:37-40 KJV Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace. ³⁸ But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off. ³⁹ But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble. ⁴⁰ And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him. God has very high standards and we will be destroyed if we do not reach them but the good news is that if we submit to Him and get rid of our ego He will save us from ourselves by His power. We have to be like Job and see that our righteousness means nothing. All the good that we think we are is an illusion that we have to shake. Once we reach there God can work with us but we first have to come to see that we are not good, or OK or any of the other things that we believe of ourselves. We are simply a work in progress if we are trying our best to please Him. It is not easy because God is satisfied with nothing less than perfection. Psalms 18:30-32 KJV As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. ³¹ For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God? ³² It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. God gives us many more instructions about improving ourselves and preparing to meet His expectations, but we can only know them if we read His word for ourselves and try our best to apply them. The point is that God is perfect but we certainly are not and the Bible provides some eye-opening truths that will help us to get to the root of our imperfections. Colossians 3:12-17 KJV Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. ¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. ¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. The world tells us that we must always be the boss but we find a better way in the Bible James 3:1-18 KJV My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. ² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. ³ Behold, we put bits in the horses mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. ⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. ⁵ Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. ⁷ For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: ⁸ But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. ¹⁰ Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. ¹¹ Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? ¹² Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. ¹³ Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. ¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. ¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. By these and many more truths that go contrary to human reasoning God opens our eyes to true reality. God makes it clear that His way comes with obligations, a yoke, but He personally commits Himself to ensuring that His yoke is comparatively easy. Matthew 11:28-30 KJV Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Our Parents Christian parents have many responsibilities to their parents so if our parents fear God then we are very fortunate and the sandbox is easy to access. Ephesians 6:4 [KJV] And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. I Timothy 5:8 [KJV] But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. There are many such ways in which godly parents are accountable for their children but whether or not they are, to put it bluntly, if we have a problem with our parents then God has a problem with us. A I see it the sooner we come to accept that the better because He is either going to break us down until we accept it or ignore us to your fate. But notice that if we do then He gives a personal commitment to give us long lives. The Bible instructs us not to worship anybody (James 2:1-4, Luke 4:8, Matthew 15:9, Revelation 19:10) but it does tell us to honour and respect people, especially those in authority, and at the top of the list is our parents. Exodus 20:12 [KJV] Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. Ephesians 6:1-3 KJV Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. ² Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) ³ That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. There is a proviso for obeying parents i.e. in the Lord, but none for honouring them. It does not say if they are not drug-lords or psychopaths or abusers. There is no pre-requirement for treating parents with respect. There is no exit clause or condition. But once again God keeps it real (maintains a perspective grounded in reality). Matthew 10:21 [KJV] And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. Mark 13:12 [KJV] Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. Luke 21:16 [KJV] And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. Romans 1:30 [KJV] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Nevertheless He insists that our approach must be one of respecting parents. Colossians 3:20-21 KJV Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. Notice that I put the word of God above parents. The Bible goes to great lengths to tell us that obedience only applies when the instructions that they give us is in the Lord (i.e. not contravening the instructions given by God in His word) but even then we still have to respect them. People, including us and our parents, can be subject to the problems common to men but God insists that we always respect parents. II Timothy 3:1-5 KJV This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. ² For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, ³ Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, ⁴ Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; ⁵ Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. The Church The Church comes under the realm of people and hence it is not to be worshipped but at the same time God expects us to treat it with honour. The first problem here is to know who is the Church. We can only get that knowledge from studying and believing what the Bible says on that matter for ourselves, remembering that God puts His Bible above what men (no matter how important) say. The Church did not begin in the New Testament. We learn from the whole Church: Old and New inductees. Acts 7:38 [KJV] This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: The whole of the nation of Israel was the Church when it was in the wilderness. They became the Kingdom of God once they reached the Promised Land. I am not sure what to make of them after that point. They did not portray the Kingdom in their lifestyle. Unfortunately they went and conformed to various pagan cultures after they entered the Promised Land. As they did that God would cast them off and they would cry out and He would deliver them. Eventually they rejected God as king starting with Saul and a that point it becomes even murkier. On an individual basis, all the people that God called to Himself in the Old Testament are also part of the Church. In my opinion it started with Adam but if you are conservative at least with Abel who is called righteous (Luke 11:51, Hebrews 11:4, Matthew 23:35). The experiences of these people have been recorded so that we can learn from them. They are found in both Old and New Testament. Probably the most famous example of a deceitful heart is in the life of David (2 Samuel 11, 12; 1 Kings 1, 2). He became enraptured by a woman called Bathsheba and it began a sequence of events that lead to the loss of his son and perpetual trouble in his family. David was an outstanding servant of God but had a moment of weakness. Another example is in 1 Samuel with the life of Saul who convinced himself that he was obedient and that it was the people that caused him to disobey God. Saul's story brings out other aspects of a deceitful heart and shows us how it leads to evil. Saul's behaviour cost him his family and especially a wonderful son called Jonathan. There are many other examples in the Old Testament including Nadab and Abihu, Solomon, Jeroboam I and Uzzia. In the New Testament the most famous example is in Acts chapter 5 where the story of Ananias and Sapphira is recorded. Then there is 1 and 2 Corinthians dealing with how a whole church mishandled the issue of adultery. As we read the Bible the Church teaches us about how succeptible we are to deceitfulness. Christ intends to make His church perfect. T that end we should all be concerned with perfection. Matthew 19:21 [KJV] Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. God intends to make the Church perfect which establishes that He knows that it is not yet perfect. John 17:23 [KJV] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. We are therefore instructed to look to our own perfection without expecting others to be perfect. Luke 6:40-42 KJV The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. ⁴¹ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? ⁴² Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brothers eye. To that end he ensures that there are people with gifts of the Holy Spirit that can assist us. Ephesians 4:11-13 KJV And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; ¹² For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: ¹³ Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: He says that it is not too much to expect. It involves proving that God is right rather than opposing His will. Romans 12:1-2 [KJV] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. The two books of the Bible, 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians go together to show how the sandbox of God's Church works. In 1 Corinthians the matter of not tolerating sin in the Church is addressed. In 2 Corinthians the matter of encouraging those who repent is explained. The intricasies of love in the Church is way to extensive to cover here but the sandbox is emphasized. I Peter 4:8 [KJV] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. What do you Think? When men want something there does not appear to be anything that they cannot convince themselves is justifiable. The following extract was taken from Indian Journal of plastic Surgery, "Cleft lip: The historical perspective – 05 March 2011" In 390 BC, there lived in China, a physician adept in the skill to correct this defect. An 18-year-old youth, Wey Young-Chi who was born in the city of Jen in the province of Hupeh was the first patient. The surgery was performed in Nanking under the watchful eyes of Ying Chung-Khan, the Governor of the province and was a success. After his surgery Wey Young-Chi was recruited into the imperial army and quickly impressed General Lin-Yu, by helping to suppress a revolt. In due course of time, Wey himself rose to the rank of general and later became Governor of the Province of Yee. He eventually became Governor General of the six provinces. Throughout his life he affirmed that he would never have achieved so much if his cleft lip had not been repaired. This surely ranks as the very first of the string of success stories that constitutes the theme of the Smile Train project today! Indian Journal of plastic Surgery "Cleft lip: The historical perspective – 05 March 2011" Indian Journal of plastic Surgery WEB 2011 On the other hand we also have this story, timestamp April 30th, 2010 \| 2:27 am A baby found alive nearly a day after a failed abortion in Italy had been rejected by his mother because he had a cleft lip and palate, according to reports. The 22-week infant was found breathing a day after the operation. He died one day later in intensive care at a hospital in the mothers home town of Rossano, in southern Italy. The mother, pregnant for the first time, had opted for an abortion after prenatal scans revealed that the foetus had a cleft lip and palate, according to reports in the Italian media. The condition is treatable with surgery. The baby weighing just 11oz survived the procedure, carried out on Saturday in the Rossano Calabro hospital, but was left by doctors to die. Wesley J. SmithItalian Baby Aborted at 22 Weeks for Cleft Palate Born Alive, Left to DieFirst ThingsWEB2011 and as a comment to the above story we have: bellez April 30th, 2010 \| 2:27 am Well this is Obamas World Vison ..Rid the world of defective children..make perfect humans..God the shame of it all..So freaking Sad. I hope they go to jail for murder. And an unrelated case from an article dated May 10, 2010. Last week in Burundi, a 5-year old albino boy was killed, his limbs chopped off. They killed his mother too. According to AP: Ten assailants armed with guns and grenades killed Desire Vyegura, 5, and his mother, Susann Vyegura, in Burundi on Monday, said Kassim Kazungu, head of the Burundi Albino Association. Both victims had their limbs chopped off. Attackers also pulled out one of Desires eyes and chopped off his mothers breasts, Kazungu said. The attack took place in Cankunko village in the Cendajuru district, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) east of the capital city, Bujumbura.James OnenHorrific Murder of Albinos Persists in East AfricaFreethought KampalasWEB2011 According to the article The killings are fuelled by superstitious beliefs that human albino body parts will bring others wealth and success. Because of the large sums of money that people are willing to pay (in excess of $75,000) Between the time of writing and 2007 approximately 10,000 albinos had been displaced or had gone into hiding. Isaiah 5:16-24 (KJV) But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. ¹⁷ Then shall the lambs feed after their manner, and the waste places of the fat ones shall strangers eat. ¹⁸ Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: ¹⁹ That say, Let him make speed, and hasten his work, that we may see it: and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh and come, that we may know it! ²⁰ Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! ²¹ Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! ²² Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: ²³ Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! ²⁴ Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. People do wicked and stupid things because of what we believe. Our conscience is what condemns us but our conscience can malfunction because of our self deception. Having a good conscience is important. 1 Timothy 1:19 (KJV) Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: We need to get it right. The three things that we depend on for sanity must be carefully scrutinised otherwise people could be right. We could deserve the abuse because we oppose God and we could also be the source of abuse. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 (KJV) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; ² Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; people's minds are becoming increasingly perverted. Their consciences are malfunctioning. Are you sure about yours?The key is to know what offends God AND man. Acts 24:16 (KJV) And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. This is a huge challenge: to know what offends God and man. Do you know what God Himself says or are you relying on second hand information. Has He been historically consistent? What is His plan for the future? What about the historical acts of the Church? Are they consistent with the greatness and example of God as I see in Christ? For me and my faith, my Church and I must be imitating Christ not redefining Him in my image? Have you tried reasoning with your family? We need to do an honest evaluation in order to be sure.