Denial and deception is the idea of denying information to an adversary or deceiving an adversary. This strategy has long history in military warfare, politics, and overwhelmingly in current day media. In military strategy, deny and deceive are used in concert with each other to manipulate other’s view of situations and often to incite rage or other “fight” emotions. In our spiritual lives, these terms appear to oppose each other as we consider the deception that keeps us from denying what God has admonished us to.
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” Titus 2:11-12
In a general sense, to deny is to refuse to “give or grant” something requested. This appears to apply to our horizontal relationships. As children of God, we are urged to refuse to “give in” to ungodly behavior and worldly lusts. This is in response to our vertical relationship with God. Interestingly enough we are encouraged to give often to others (horizontal) and discouraged to give in to the things that are not of God (vertical). By visualizing this horizontal and vertical view working simultaneously, we see the cross and our reliance on the Holy Spirit to successfully do both.
Often times when I share my struggles with others, I get a response like “Dywuana, that’s no big deal. You’ve overcome greater than this.” The implication here is my battle with breast cancer.
I’ve determined that cancer will always be viewed as the biggest hurdle in life to jump over from so many people’s point of view. As I said in my book, “Cancer Us: It was Me. Is it You?”, my situation was a win-win. I honestly did not struggle with that diagnosis as much as I do in some of my other life matters.
Recently I prayed and asked God, “Why is it that so many buckle at the diagnosis of cancer yet seem to have no real concern about what You would find if You returned today?”
The answer I received-“Many are afraid of the dying but not the judgment.”
“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 NLT
While there may be temporary pleasures that come with continuing to give in to the things that are not of God and the worldly lusts and pleasures of life, be clear God’s word is true. He loves us and wants the best for us but He will judge us when He returns. Refuse to be deceived any longer, your choice to deny does not cause you any loss, but it solidifies your eternal gain!