I have been listening to a podcast that interviews and tells the story of a man who worked as a mob lawyer in Chicago in the 1980s. I know… strange listening for a minister driving around town, but the interview revealed some fascinating things. This man specialized in getting cases fixed. He put money into the hands of the right people to make sure charges were dropped or a defendant was found not guilty. He was good at it. In at least one case, he made sure a hitman escaped a murder conviction by corrupting a strait-laced judge.

Now, as terrible as these acts of fraud and injustice sound to us, something else entirely was going on in the heart of this lawyer. Instead of feeling guilty about his shady dealings, this man felt entirely justified. By the time of the interview, he had convinced himself that these cases would have gone his way anyway. He imagines now that the money paid to judges and police were not bribes at all. These were just tips – gifts given in gratitude for making sure the right outcomes were achieved. He is even convinced that God does not hold anything against him. I hope he’s right… but the Bible I read would suggest otherwise.

The wicked accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the ways of justice.

Proverbs 17:23, ESV

Self-deception is not just a problem for those involved in organized crime. Any time I avoid facing the truth of my choices and habits, I could be heading down the road of self-deception. A woman tells herself that she is acting out of love for her adult son when she tells him how to spend his money and berates him for his lack of ambition. A man tells himself he is just having fun when he wagers more and more of his family’s money on the score of the next ballgame. A doctor tells herself that science dictates the prescriptions she writes, not the gifts provided by the drug reps.

Through the fog of lies we tell ourselves, God wants to shine the light of truth. When Jesus saw that the crowd of people had deceived themselves into thinking that they were right with God because Abraham was their ancestor, Jesus directs them back to the truth.

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free… If the son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

John 8:31-32, 36

When we have covered over our actions with comforting deceptions, truth’s light feels harsh. Who wants to face the reality that sin has taken root again… especially when we had thought our motives were as pure as snow?

Jesus’ promise is for us every day. Let his word shine into the heart and drive away the lies, both big and small. It is better to be set free – truly free – than to fool yourself even one more day. Let the Son set you free!