I just finished reading a theologically heavy and dense section regarding sin. Now, I must tell you that I do not wake up in the morning full of energy and excited to read books on doctrine, theology, and sin! However, I made a commitment to God awhile back to learn more about Him and myself in an attempt to understand our relationship to one another. So, that is why I do the difficult and often tedious readings.
BUT WAIT!!!! There was an amazing section in the chapter that talked about what Christians tend to do in response to their sin. I found it fascinating, and rather accurate. I'll list only a few from Mark Driscoll's book, DOCTRINE.
"What Are Some Sinful Responses To Sin?
1. Minimizing my sin. Its really not that big a deal, everyone does it.
2. There is the delusional belief that my sin is different from anyone else because I have good reasons that legitimize my sin.
3. Blame shifting. Where technically my sin is the result of another persons actions.
4. Diversion, where we try to avoid our sin by, saying we were just joking, someone misunderstood us, or the person who confronted us about our sin did so in a manner that was not loving.
5. Partial confession. This is where we tell only part of our sin and hide the other half because of our pride.
6. There is what Paul calls 'worldly grief' where we merely regret the consequences of our sin and not the sin itself.
7. There is mere confession. This is tricky because people who practice it acknowledge their sin, show remorse, and ask for forgiveness. But they do not change and in fact knowingly repeat their sin."
I wonder, what sinful responses do you practice? for me, I primarily practice worldly grief, minimizing sin, and mere confession. Thankfully I serve a loving God who died for my sins and my sinful responses to them. Thank you Jesus Christ.
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