Do
you know someone who is IN DENIAL? They might be obnoxious but are oblivious to
it. They can hurt and offend others without ever realizing they’ve wounded
someone. Some people are in denial because they won’t acknowledge the elephant
in the room. The problem is obvious to outsiders, but those “on the inside” are
afraid to admit the dire reality of the situation.
Before
Paul was converted, his name was Saul and he nodded with approval as he watched
Stephen being stoned to death. His fellow Pharisees had laid their cloaks at Saul’s
feet and he was “watching out for the coats of those who were killing him” (Acts
22:20). I’m sure Saul felt honored to be put in charge of guarding the coats,
making sure no one would steal them. He probably thought, “Out of all the
people here, they chose ME to protect their robes!”
Saul
believed he was doing the Lord’s will as he carried out his religious duties, but
he was blind to the truth and in denial. I’m sure the Lord had tried to point
out the elephant in the room but Saul didn’t want to see it. Religion is Satan’s
counterfeit that keeps people busy as a diversionary tactic. Some people are very
busy doing church activities (guarding the coats) while their hearts are totally
disconnected from God. Here are three
reasons Saul was in denial:
1. He was spiritually
blind.
A deceived person doesn’t know he is
being deceived. A blind man cannot see, no matter how hard he tries to see.
Although Saul thought he was pleasing God by guarding the coats, he saw nothing
wrong when God’s servant Stephen was murdered. When a person is spiritually
blind they cannot see what is obvious.
2. He had submitted
to “group think.” Group-think
is when you let others think for you. Saul was more interested in what his fellow
Pharisees thought than what God thought. A cult is a group of people that follow
a domineering leader who, through intimidation, controls what everyone thinks. Before
you join any church or organization, make sure it is spiritually healthy. If
you sense something isn’t right, be willing to walk away from it. After Saul “saw
the light” and realized he belonged to the wrong group, he chose to leave them.
3. His priorities
were misplaced. When
a person is in denial, he will put great effort into things that don't matter, while ignoring the things important to God. Saul
thought protecting the coats was more important than protecting an innocent man
from being killed. The wrong priorities always keep us from having the
right priorities.
Are
you in denial? Is someone you know in denial? The answer is to pray, “Lord, if
I am not doing what pleases you, open my eyes so that I can see.” And then have
the courage to change course.
www.makinglifecount.net Making Life Count Ministries
**********************
The Sure Cure for Worry proves that GOD IS IN CONTROL and you can trust Him to
take care of the problem that worries you.
Looking for a good book to study in a SMALL GROUP? Slaying Your Giants is filled with interesting stories and Biblical insights,
and includes a free 20-Lesson Discussion Guide.
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