π° Be not deceived is your choice
This article discusses that it is your choice to be deceived.
On this page
β Correction
You choose to be deceived.
Deception often involves the manipulation of truth, concealment, and the exploitation of trust.
One common misconception is that individuals are unaware when they are being deceived.
This is in direct opposition to Godβs word as Deuteronomy 11:16-17 instructs you to not be deceived, and warns that you bring Godβs wrath upon yourself when you choose to be deceived and reject God.
In Galatians 6:7-8 Paul repeats the command to βbe not deceivedβ and warns that you reap what you sow whether good or bad.
Our minds harbor biases that distort perception. Confirmation bias, for instance, leads you to seek information that confirms your existing beliefs and filter out evidence that challenges your views.
The Apostle John, in 1 John 2:15-17, explains that confirmation bias is the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, which lead to the trespass, and the pride of life is the mechanism by which you willfully deceive yourself. Thus you make and love a lie over the truth.
Emotions cloud judgment. When emotionally invested, you choose to ignore warning signs and rationalise away the truth.
In John 8:43-45 Jesus declares that liars are doing the lusts of their father the devil, and thus you refuse to hear, are unable to accept, and do not believe the truth.
And Revelation 21:8 states that all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Therefore, as commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 prove all things. See the Bereans in Acts 17:11 for an example.