deceive:

v.   tr.

1. To cause to believe what is not true; mislead.
2. Archaic To catch by guile; ensnare.

When a person is deceived, (by virtue of meaning of the word) they are ignorant of the deceit. There may be a little goad at the conscience saying “is this right?” but deceit convinces it’s hearers that it is true. That is why is dangerous.

This is one reason why each Christian needs a warm and encouraging and honest relationship with other strong Christians. We *need* each other. Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

We may need to think whether we are allowing deceitfulness to beguile us if we hear ourselves saying “well, at least I’m not…” or “I’m not as bad as…” Deceit lets us justify our actions as “not really that bad” or asks “how far can we go” rather than the truth which declares “pursue righteousness”

Look at the difference in attitude between “what can I get away with?” and 2 Timothy 2:15 which says “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” Let’s not be afraid to speak up people. And let’s not consider “doing good” as weak.

Some links on issues (esp young) Christians may find challenging:

What wrong with Christians getting drunk? Discussion by the Sola Panel

Arrogant youthful attitudes… a blogpost from Boundless

Dating, youth culture and Lust The message of Josh Harris’s books (and DVDs) is clearly more about ‘pursuing righteousness’ in Christ and for Christ than any moral comment.