Rationalization

Rationalization

What is the danger of rationalization?

God’s Response

When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they . . . made plans to kill him. . . . [But] Judah said to the others, “What can we gain by killing our brother? That would just give us a guilty conscience. Let’s sell Joseph to those Ishmaelite traders. Let’s not be responsible for his death; after all, he is our brother!” And his brothers agreed. Genesis 37:18, 26-27

Joseph’s brothers altered their initial plan of killing Joseph to just selling him into slavery. Rationalization of a lesser sin does not change sin from being sin. When you find yourself rationalizing your actions, it’s time to pause and truthfully assess your motives, your actions, and their potential consequences. Rationalizing is trying to convince yourself that wrong is right, that sin isn’t so bad if it is a lesser sin, or that lying is acceptable if it is just a half-lie. It is convincing yourself that your choices have no consequences. The sad but amusing side of rationalization is thinking that you are brilliant while you are acting foolishly. Watch today for where you may be rationalizing your actions rather than standing up for what is right.

God’s Challenge

Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world. 1 Peter 2:12