When the truth hurts...

One of my new year's resolutions was to read through the bible this year. What a blessing it has been... and what a joy to read the words of life on a daily basis...

Today, I was reading in Psalm 36 and the words really hit me upside the head...

"There is no fear of God...For in his (her) own eyes he (she) flatters himself (herself) too much to detect or hate his (her) sin." Verse 1-2

Wowzers! How true is this verse?

My brother and I were talking about some of these very things this past week...

We were discussing how we focus and work to build "self esteem" in our children, in others, and in ourself. We tell our children they are great and special and perfect and so lovable and kind and pretty and loving... It is pretty much the way we roll in our culture...

And yet, I believe we are flattering ourselves WAY too much. So much so that we are not able to detect or hate the sin in our lives.

Do you really see and hate the sin that is present in your life? Do you really believe you sin? Honestly, it sooooooo hard to see it in yourself, isn't it?

Now others. Now, I see the way they fall short ALL the time. That is easy. It is so obvious. But, myself? Not so much.

Now, don't misunderstand me. I believe in words of encouragement (we are told to encourage one another) and showing kindness and love. So, I am in no way saying we ought to walk around and tell everyone how lame they are... nor am I advocating some sort of negative self-talk...

But, I am suggesting that we all need to take an honest look in the mirror and ask ourselves these tough questions... "Do I really fear the Lord?" Or "Do I flatter myself so much that I am blind to my own sin?"

We are encouraged as believers to "speak the truth in love..." Sometimes, the hardest person to do that with is ourself.