Denial is what one knows on some level about himself but refuses to acknowledge, to avoid the humbling character building work that God calls us to in Christ. We so easily embrace a flattering image of ourselves that it is easy to lose our integrity in defending it. Our denial lie implies a lie in God, who says that we are sinners whose lower natures are always inclined to sin. (“If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.” I John 1:10)
The self protectiveness that denies the sin behind criticism, sarcasm, vindictiveness, and bitterness doesn’t fool the person that we are sinning against and denying it to! All of us, being self-interested from birth, recognize in others their protective and defensive self interest more readily than we recognize it in ourselves. That is why we are so quick to judge and criticize others for their motives and spirit and attitudes, which are sensed with as much accuracy as are their overt actions. Denial, no matter how tenaciously maintained, deceives only the one insisting on his innocence.
Denial kills sensitivity to and interest in the Word of God and the Holy Spirit‘s work. When we are in denial about our sin we don‘t want anyone, including God, pointing it out. God is silenced, and no one else dares to confront the sin lest they be hurtfully attacked with blame and more hostile denial. So denial alienates us from the very persons whom God has provided to warn and reprove us in cooperation with His Word and Holy Spirit.
The fear of the Lord should motivate us to search out our denials and confess them, before the Lord Himself makes them known. Psalm 90:8 says “You have placed our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your presence.” And Mark 4:22, " For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light.”
Denials will be revealed, and they will be judged “…on the day when, according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus.” Romans 2:16. On that day, when there will be no going back, the opportunity confess our sin immediately upon sinning will seem to have been highly preferable to denial and blame!
Knowing that we all have blind spots, spiritually growing Christians search their souls for the darkness of denial In them, by the light of the scriptures. They also listen to those closest to them, without defensiveness, blame, or hurt feelings, giving them freedom to openly reveal the hidden sin that is causing stress and hurt. This kind of humility elicits grace in the relationship, and with the Lord. (“…He gives a greater grace Therefore it says, " GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." James 4:6) There is nothing we need more than a Savior and the humility for our sin that His grace elicits. And just as sin grows into more tenacious sin and in difficulty to see and confess it, so humility and grace grow each time we humble ourselves in obedience to the command to love and invest in someone at the expense of our self interested pride. Both are investments that get easier with use, and that reap an eternal harvest that starts right now--the former for evil, the later for good.
The Scriptures plead for the humility of confession. They warn of the danger of denial. The new year is a good time to examine ourselves before the Lord, by the Word of God, for the purpose of supplanting denial with integrity and confession. Integrity before the Lord is thus hard won, and will likely require humiliating and embarrassing confession. It may even be rejected by the unforgiving victim of our sin. But its rewards are very sweet as He lavishes us with more and more of His amazing grace.
“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.” Proverbs 28:13
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9
“…if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” I John 1:7
“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
Against You, You only, I have sinned
And done what is evil in Your sight,
So that You are justified when You speak
And blameless when You judge.” Psalm 51:2-4
“For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin.” Psalm 38:18
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” James 5:16
“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” III John 1:2
Rae Edlin
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