A LITTLE DEFENSIVE
Christine Wyrtzen
For I know my transgressions,and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinnedand done what is evil in your sight. Psalm 51:3-4
The first obstacle humanity faces is to recognize its own guilt. The second challenge, once recognized, is to own it both personally and publicly. Rarely do we encounter others who quickly admit to being wrong. Even when backed into a corner and the guilt is obvious, they can still feign innocence. I can't be too hard on them. Without Jesus, I wouldn't want to admit to being wrong either. If my sense of self is fragile, I will feel I can’t afford to be at fault.
If I am addicted to others respect and acceptance, being wrong is not an option. At all costs, I must talk my way out of situations lest those around me come to the conclusion that I'm guilty. Self-defense can be developed into a cunning art form. I can do it so much that acquitting myself with great confidence happens like breathing.
If I am one who has trouble admitting I’ve sinned, I must bring my shaky self to the arms of Christ. I have not yet understood my sin, the power of the cross, and Christ’s love for me. I am holding on to a faulty self-righteousness that needs to be surrendered at Calvary. Admitting guilt does not diminish me, it frees me to enjoy God’s mercy. Never am I more attractive to others than when humble.
If I am in close relationship with someone who can not admit they are wrong, that is a painful stumbling block to intimacy. Reconciliation and closure are non-existent.
I am also aware that heinous crimes have been committed against many of us. Those who sinned so greatly against us (or someone we love) may not have admitted wrong doing, or worse yet, they owned it but have shown no remorse whatsoever. Evil appears to have won but it is just an illusion. The ones who sin so recklessly and talk their way out of earthly courts will one day stand before God. The One who sees the hearts of men plays no political games. His judgments are rock solid and there is no escaping the day when perfect justice prevails. Until then, we live in a lifestyle of forgiveness. We pray for our enemies and we rest in the coming Kingship of Jesus upon the earth.
One day, every knee shall bow. All pride will be smashed. I choose to start now. In Jesus name, Amen
For more from Christine Wyrtzen and Jaime Wyrtzen Lauze, please visit www.daughtersofpromise.org
Originally published Wednesday, 17 February 2021.
SHARE
