None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. Being deceived, especially by our own selves, is a terrible and scary thing, and thus God said, "But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (1 Cor 11:3)

Following God is actually simple, but it requires the purity of devotion, and in order to do that, we have to be honest with ourselves first. Can I say that spending my time playing beer pong is really something I could offer as a gift or devotion to God? If I'm honest, nope. Cut away the fluff that Satan uses to confuse us and look at the foundation. If it's beneficial, do it. If not, replace it with something that is.

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Denial is man's worst enemy but often his most constant companion. Sometimes we have to get caught doing something bad before we admit it and fix it. I kind of mentioned yesterday that I can have issues with gentleness (makes it tough to be a gentleman), which reveals something about me. God puts it this way,

"Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness." (Gal 6:1)

When my attitude is, "I'm going to put you in your place," it shows that my focus is worldly and not spiritual. I'm working hard to be gentle at every chance, and to say instead, "Man, Satan's a tough enemy, so let's team up and take him on and beat this! Winners, not sinners!"