Self-Deception - Part Three - Rationalization

We’ve been working through this series on self-deception; which can be likened to a three-legged table. One leg represents denial, the second leg involves repression, and the third leg has everything to do with rationalization. To rationalize is to attempt to explain or justify (one’s own or another’s behavior or attitude) with logical, plausible reasons, even if they are not true or appropriate. It is the latter part of this definition that is of most concern when it comes to overcoming the crippling effects of sin and guilt. When we practice self-deception, we tend to rationalize as a means of justifying that which we know is wrong. The compulsive gambler, shopaholic, sex addict, etc., have at least one thing in common, they are entrenched in a mindset predicated on denial, repression, and rationalization. However, one need not be battling compulsion to practice self-deception. For example, it is a sad fact that one-in-four females, and one-in-five males will be molested in the U.S. prior to reaching the age of eighteen. Perhaps even more sad is the fact that a majority of those abused tend to remain entrenched in maladaptive modes of coping as a result of their self-deceptive practices; and, thus, live for years (if not their whole life) stymied to fulfill their God-given purpose in life. Regardless if we are battling compulsion, or are unresolved with past abuses, to one degree or another, we all practice acts of self-deception at times. These actions inhibit the Christian most when they become habitual modes of coping with life's distress.

Consider this verse: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12). The Hebrew word used here for death is maveth (maw’-veth), which literally means just that—the dead, their place or state. However, maveth figuratively relates to pestilence or ruin. There really are ways that seem right to us, but in the end they lead to pestilence, ruin, and, in some cases, death. While denial is an attempt to refuse reality, and repression is striving to avoid it, rationalization is a process through which we seek to alter reality. It is a self-satisfying, but irrational type of behavior aimed at maintaining our own will. When we rationalize, we will for things to be a certain way. The more we rationalize, the less reason we exercise. When we seek to justify a harmful behavior, our ability for sound thinking is inhibited, and we cease operating within the bounds of God’s will.

Next post, we’ll wrap-up this series on self-deception. I pray this has proven useful in helping you live more in the power, love, and soundness-of-mind God has always intended for you (see II Timothy 1:7). Portions of this post were excerpted from my book, The Conditioned Mind. If you would like to discover more about self-deception, and how to overcome the crippling effects of sin and guilt, select the book title link above. Have a blessed weekend!