Yesterday Representative Anthony Weiner admitted and apologized for wrong sexual conduct on-line. For over a week he denied what he had been doing for several years. During those years he seems to have thought that he could get away with it...if he even thought it was wrong. What Weiner did is despicable, a sordid act of political theater that may seem far removed from us. The story does present a soul-searching question for everyone. How do you guard yourself against destructive self-deception?
Some less spectacular but still real examples of harmful self-deception: A person hears all the warnings about texting while driving but does it anyway, no self-discipline but self-deception. How many die? A husband or wife works long, long hours, convinced it's the godly way to provide for family. Wakes up one day to find the spouse gone and the family broken.
St. Peter wrote to Christians who realized they had been deceived. "You have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do." (1 Peter 4:3). Peter's advice? Spend time and engage in honest conversation with sincere, caring and moral followers of Christ.
Is there a part of your life that seems OK but is really your Achilles' heel?
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