The Justification For All Our Sins

Have you ever confronted someone regarding sin? What were the results? Hopefully, they responded as David did in II Samuel 12:13, admitting their sin and turning from it. Regrettably, however, that has not always been the case has it?
In contrast to David’s appropriate response, you have probably received responses similar to Saul’s response to Samuel in I Samuel 13:11-12.
What was Saul’s biggest concern? “The people were scattered from me.” Who was he trying to protect? “The Philistines will now come down on me.” Who governed his actions? “I felt compelled.” Just in case it was wrong to do, who did he blame? “You did not come within the days appointed.”
Then, of course, there was the day he completely disobeyed God’s command to utterly destroy the Amalekites, including all of their livestock (I Samuel 15:2-3).
When Samuel confronted him, he initially acted as though he had done nothing wrong, saying, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord” (I Samuel 15:20). He explained that if anyone did anything wrong, it was the people.
After further rebuke, he reluctantly admitted that he had sinned. But he did not stop there. He had to explain why. “I feared the people and obeyed their voice” (I Samuel 15:24).
Too many times when confronted with our sins, we respond as Saul did. We do not admit our sins and turn away from them. Too often we admit them as sins but then justify them, explaining why everyone ought to understand. On our worse days, we do not even admit that they were sins, but rather explain that considering our extenuating circumstances our actions were alright.
What causes this behavior? Saul’s words explain it all—“Me, me, I.” Not only is our self-centeredness the root of all our sins (James 1:14-15). It is also the means by which we justify everything we do. We can easily see everyone else’s sins as sins. But our sins? People should understand. If they had been through what we had been through… If they realized all the hurts and wounds we have endured… If they knew how mistreated we have been… If they would just put themselves in our shoes, they would understand.
But what is happening here? This is all about us. We want everyone, including God, to accept everything we do, whether sinful or otherwise. Why should they do such? Because we were the ones who did it and that justifies it.
That is selfishness. Remember, we are to sacrifice ourselves and our desires, serving the Lord (Galatians 2:20; 5:24). May we all carry our crosses this week, crucifying ourselves with Christ.

In Love.

Eric