Y Not I

I sometimes think pride is the root of all sin. Although that is not from Scripture, to me it seems like pride is behind a great deal of sin, and it keeps us from just admitting our sin and clearing the area, for believers getting forgiveness from G-d and the ability to move forward in our walk. To me, I have often found in life when I am in the wrong the best thing to do is to admit I made a mistake. It seems when I fight it, I just end up in further problems. Kind of like how a lie can spiral and get deeper and deeper.

For example, when I get pulled over for a speeding ticket (not that it has happened too often, but it has happened), I usually acknowledge my wrongdoing to the officer. Fighting it does nothing, it is obvious that I am guilty and that I don’t have a chance here. Admitting that I did wrong can possibly lead an officer to let me go (although not necessarily), but it certainly would not make the situation any worse. Fighting it and complaining can only anger the officer and lead to them possibly finding other infractions.

I was thinking about this after reading this post from the blog Reformation21 about Barry Bonds. I think the post makes some very good points and I especially agree with the good will that might have been enjoyed by Bonds if he admitted his mistakes.

Lastly, Bonds reminds me of how much better it always is simply to repent. What would have happened (or still could happen) if Bonds held a press conference and confessed his wrong-doing, explained how he was in the grips of a run-away ego, and asked people for forgiveness? I think he would be widely embraced, his public appeal would skyrocket, and he would have a promising future as a public figure. But oh how the sinful heart hates to repent, even though repentance is the best thing going. Thank God for the grace of repentance, and may we Christians eagerly embrace our calling frankly to confess our known sins, sincerely seek God’s help in repenting, apologizing and making due restitution, and living in the freedom of God’s forgiving grace.

It is through repentance alone that we can ever escape the short-sighted, heart-hardining [sic], perverse and destructing effects of sin. By the grace of God in Jesus Christ, even the worst stories of sin end up having the best of endings.

To me the sin is fueled by pride and pride keeps the sin from being resolved, since it causes one to refuses to repent. I see that in so many things from Barry Bonds to even small things that we sometimes do as believers. Sometimes pride can get to us all and cause sin to increase. I think that is where humbleness comes in. May we all walk in humbly with our G-d (Micah 6:8).

B”H