Denial

DENIAL

Part five of seven devotions in The World of Jealousy series

1 John 1:8

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.”

Ten year old Chester arrived at the basketball court next to the public swimming pool before his classmate, Wally. He dribbled his basketball around the court. Come on, Wally, it’s too hot already! Chester thought. (See Pride devotion). As he gulped water from his bottle, Wally arrived. Perched on his basketball, Chester waved hello.

“Hey Chester.” Wally yelled. “Let’s get busy.”

Their one-on-one basketball game workout found them drenched in sweat very soon. Wally stopped suddenly, tugging on his shorts to catch his breath. He said, “Let’s just skip this work out, and go swimming.”

Chester nodded his head. He offered a new idea, “We could play tonight after the sun sets, if you want to.”

Wally replied, “That’s a good idea. But I am not allowed to go back out after dinner. I’m already losing weight. How about if I just run around my house? That’ll shed some pounds off my fat behind!” (Wally had weighed himself that morning. The number 130 flashed on the scale’s monitor. He seriously doubted that he’d run around his house after dinner. But he wanted to sound tough, that he’s serious about losing weight).

“OK, whatever you think best, Wally.” As they walked into the pool together, Chester snickered at the thought of Wally running around his house. He thought, Wally’s fooling himself. He’s sure not fooling me!

Now the boy’s friendship is changing into a rivalry between them. James 3:14 says, “But it you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.” Wally has been jealous all his life of the trim guys in their swimming suits at the public pool. Although he’s finally doing something about losing weight, his heart hasn’t healed from the years of shame.

Jealousy always opposes the truth because the truth exposes jealousy.

Wherever there’s rivalry, people tend to deny the truth about themselves. Truth cuts jealous hearts deeply, and the pain is intense. So denial is people protecting themselves, and end up lying as a cover up. Self-esteem, or pride in oneself, is necessary for people to live confidently.

Take Home Nugget

Rivals tend to cheer when their opponent fails, because they’re ego-driven. The ego is a person’s pride center. It’s natural for humans to become suspicious of and resent a rival’s success. We protect ourselves from heart pain above all else.

Lord, protect me from denying the truth about myself. Help me to always seek the truth, even if it’s not what I want to believe, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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