James 5: 19-20

If you are going to be a mature Christian, you must be totally committed to the truth. Commitment to the truth does not happen by accident. Commitment requires an act of the will. We make that commitment knowing that sometimes the truth will hurt. Sometimes the truth will be frightening, and it will often be ugly. However, Christians are committed to the truth, because to live righteous the truth is not an option. We will find it is impossible to live in right relationship with God and others if we have founded that relationship on a lie.

When we have strayed from the truth and do not realize it, we are self-deceived. It is often easier to deceive ourselves than it is to deceive others. Self-deception can happen as the result of holding one truth so close that we cannot see another equal and balancing truth. It is true that Christians are God’s chosen people. If we hold that truth so high that we cannot see the truth that God chose us for a mission, we are deceived. God has blessed us so that we can be a blessing to others.

A Christian who has become self-deceived will miss the mark in many ways. Because they have strayed for the truth, before long they will not even be aiming toward the true mark. I understand James to believe that if the one who has strayed for the truth continues in the error of their ways the result will be the death of righteousness. To continue walking in darkness without returning to the light will result in the death of relationship with God and possibly spiritual death. The moment that the one in error turns back to the truth, God covers their sins with a blanket pardon. God sees their sin, and by His grace, He forgives them.

Live a life full of God’s love and light. If a brother of sister has strayed into darkness, let God call them and draw them to Him through us. Be a Beacon.