JE's resolution #8: Stepping off from the high chair of self-righteousness

8. Resolved, To act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had comitted the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confession my own sins and misery to God

This resolution stems from deep seated Biblical convictions: nobody is righteous, we all have sinned and have fallen from God's glory.

Failing to give prominent place in our thoughts to those truths daily is easy. In fact, we realize we're doing so when we're stung by feelings of moral superiority and self-righteousness and judgementalism at anybody who happens to cross our way. This becomes downright pathetic when creepy phrases like "why are you like that?" are hurled in the midst of our frustration at people.

Therefore remind yourself that you're the worst sinner that you know. This is not the same as to claim you are the worst sinner ever -likely this won't be your case. Rather, this has to do more with getting a general attitude of our hearts towards fellow sinners. Finally, this has nothing to do with us all getting a "let's all get in the mud" mindset that would launch us into societal chaos of injustice by not dealing with the legal consequences of wrongdoing. Surely, this must be done yet properly.

Leaving the high chair of self-righteousness to the leveled floor is necessary if one is to learn to see others with the compassion and mercy one has received. Learning that one is as capable of falling in the same or worse sins as fellow sinners should prove humbling. Even more for Christians who know they are who they are because of God's grace. Personal application of this resolution should prompt me to do at least three things:

1. To halt judgement in my heart and restraining my mouth when others fall, forgiving them if found myself in the offended side.
2. To see their failing as a opportunity to confess my own sins to God.
3. To pray for those I see failing in sin: That they become aware of sin, that they repent of it and that they receive mercy from God Most High.

Now, to the One who humbled himself unto death for us and who never sinned and to this very day intercedes for us, be all honor, glory and power.

Amen.

3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Phil 2:3)