Rationalizing (1)
Monday September 8, 2014
Rationalizing is a thought process where we provide a reasonable but untrue argument for harmful actions we plan to take, or have taken. It is a way of minimizing our responsibility for the outcome and consequences of our behaviour. We know in our hearts that we have done wrong but somehow we turn the event over in our minds until it appears as something that is right and good.
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12 NIV)
Rationalizing feeds itself on the internal belief that we are the victims of circumstances beyond our control and therefore we can justify our choice. We provide explanations for our behaviour so we can avoid having to look at, or face the consequences of our actions. At other times we just want what sin can give us. Deep in our hearts we know that what we want, or desire to do, is not in keeping with God’s will for our lives but the anticipated pleasure is so enticing we purposefully dwell on it, and eventually rationalize and eliminate whatever may be in our way.
Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. (James 1:14-15 NLT)
As fallen human beings in a broken world our reasoning is flawed by the misinformation coming at us every day. Rationalizing our behaviour is rebellion against God whether we choose to avoid God's quiet voice in our spirit, or specifically disobey His commands. We need to be mindful that our sinful behaviour will cause us harm no matter how much we may try to justify it and sins of omission are just as serious as sins of commission.
Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. (James 4:17 NLT) Truth and rationalizing have been in conflict for a long time. The conflict began in the Garden of Eden. Today, why not consider and tell yourself the truth why you rationalize away the good you know you ought to do, and make excuses to yourself and others why you do the things you ought not to do.
But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. (Joshua 24:15 NIV)
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