It’s easy to lie to ourselves, isn’t it?

We take the easy path instead of the right path—and rationalize it.
We can be lazy instead of diligent—and rationalize it.
We sometimes avoid the reality of God’s word—and rationalize it.

Psychologist Charles Lowery says this: “Rationalize means Rational Lies.”*

Bam!

When we say or do something that is wrong but rationalize it, we’re lying to ourselves. By coming up with excuses or explanations that sound reasonable we’re giving ourselves wiggle room so that we can squirm out of having to face the facts or change.

In 1 John 1:6 the apostle John shares these piercing words: “If we claim to have fellowship with [God] and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”

Be honest. Talk to God about what you’re dealing with. Come back into the light. And commit to growth in the footsteps of Jesus.

“Rationalize means Rational Lies.”

By Matthew Ruttan

—TONIGHT. It’s a tough time of year, isn’t it? Hold on a second. It’s been a tough YEAR! That’s why at Westminster we’re hosting a special live-streamed “Service of Comfort” tonight (Dec 17, 2020) at 7pm. We’ll sing, pray, talk about how to be well, and generally seek God’s comfort and encouragement. You can watch it here.

–[UPDATED LINK. Broken link from yesterday corrected.] Faith Today is Canada’s Christian Magazine. Today they published an article I wrote along with the Rev. Dr. Richard Topping, the Principal of the Vancouver School of Theology. It’s called “A Motto for Christians in a Pandemic.” You can read it here.

–*As quoted at the Johnny Hunt’s Men’s Conference, February 5-6, 2016.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.