Acknowledge Transgressions
If there is one thing we do not like to do, it is admit we are wrong even in a silly little family argument. But can we be Christians and fail to humble ourselves to the point of confession wrongs? Our disposition should be that of David's in Psalms 51:3, "For I acknowledge my transgression: and my sin is ever before me." But men are too prone to overlook their owns sins point out, and even magnify, the guilt of another. James tells us in 5:16 to confess our sins one to another and also pray for one another. John shows that we must confess our guilt before we are rid of it, 1 John 1:9. Our Lord vividly pictured mankind's inclination to look for wrong in this brother while overlooking it in self in Matthew 7:2, 3, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considereth not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and behold, a beam is in thine own eye?"
It is quite commendable for a child of God to want to help his brother become a better disciple of Christ, yet we must realize that our first responsibility is self. It is very difficult to lead another to a higher walk of life if you are not walking on the same level of morality and devotion. When Paul was talking to the elders of the church at Ephesus, Acts 20:28, he showed that their first responsibility was to see that they, themselves, were setting the right example before the people whom they were attempting to lead. The elders are to lead, not drive, 1 Peter 5:3. Again, as Paul was writing to a preacher, Timothy, he said, "Take heed unto thyself..." This was his first duty; read it in 1 Timothy 4:6. How can a preacher teach others if he does not live the things that he preaches? In 1 Timothy 4:12 Paul tells Timothy go be an example.
What does all this amount to? It means that everyone, saint and sinner, must be willing to confess his own guilt. He must think of his own ways, Psalm 119:59. our sins must be forgiven, not forgotten by us. Time might cause us to forget, but God is not affected by time. 2 Peter 3:8.
From Our Archives, 1979
By Lavern Stewart