How can we guard against the deception described in Ezekiel 8:12? The Scene Ezekiel Uncovered “And He said to me, ‘Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the darkness, each at the shrine of his own idol? For they are saying, “The LORD does not see us; the LORD has forsaken the land.”’” Hidden idolatry, darkness, the false idea that God neither sees nor cares—this is the deception we must still confront today. The Heart of the Deception • God’s people acted as though He were absent or indifferent. • They drew a line between public piety and private sin. • Believing the lie that “the LORD does not see” removed restraint and opened the door to deeper rebellion. Why the Same Lie Feels Plausible Now • Much of life happens behind screens, passwords, and closed doors. • Culture prizes autonomy and self-definition over accountability. • Trials and unanswered prayers can whisper, “The LORD has forsaken the land.” • Our flesh prefers a god who does not inspect the heart (Jeremiah 17:9–10). Proven Guards Against Hidden Deception 1. Cultivate constant God-awareness • Proverbs 15:3 “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.” • Meditate on Psalm 139:1–12; speak aloud truths of God’s omnipresence throughout the day. 2. Stay anchored in Scripture • Hebrews 4:13 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” • Daily intake and memorization enable the Spirit to expose lies before they take root (Psalm 119:11). 3. Guard the private corners of the heart • Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Schedule regular self-examination times; invite God’s searchlight (Psalm 19:12–13). 4. Practice immediate confession and repentance • 1 John 1:6–7 urges honest walking “in the light.” • The longer sin stays hidden, the stronger its grip; break secrecy quickly. 5. Build intentional accountability • Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 highlights the safety of companions. • Grant trusted believers permission to ask the hard questions about screens, finances, relationships, and thought life. 6. Remove and replace idols • Anything cherished above obedience—entertainment, relationships, career—must be surrendered (Joshua 24:14). • Replace idols with practical devotion: worship, service, generosity. 7. Put on the armor of God daily • Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.” • Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word form a complete defense. 8. Remain alert and prayerful • Mark 14:38 “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.” • Ongoing conversation with God keeps the conscience tender. Living in Transparent Light Walking in the light is not about sinless perfection; it is about continual openness before the One who already sees. When we remember that no room is dark to Him, deception loses its power, idols lose their allure, and the joy of genuine fellowship with God and His people becomes far sweeter than any secret sin. |
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