by Harry Osborne
One of the most universal characteristics of humanity is self-justification. That fact was humorously impressed on me about ten years ago in Lithuania talking with a Russian journalist. The man fancied himself an expert on English and Western culture. When I would have to explain something further or correct him on a matter, his answer in somewhat broken English was always, "Yes, I know this. Again, I am correct." The phrase became a joke between those of us working together at that time. When one of us would make a mistake, we promptly repeated the phrase and all would laugh. It was a vivid reminder of the tendency all of us have to avoid responsibility for our mistakes by justifying ourselves.
Self-justification is not a new process, but is as old as humanity. The wise writer of old said, "All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits" (Prov. 16:2). This was written about 3000 years ago. The tendency of people then was to claim perfection even though God knew better. The Bible records examples and warnings of the various tactics of self-justification from before and after that time. In examining Bible teaching on the subject, we see that nothing has really changed in human nature. Let us notice a few points made in Scripture regarding self-justification.
"Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God;' for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death" (James 1:13-15).
Though others may be involved in our sins and may have their own share of guilt to bear, our guilt cannot be laid on them. In the end, we sin because we choose to do so, mot because someone else made us. Before we can repent and seek forgiveness, we must admit our sin is our own fault.
When we are tempted to rationalize sin by thinking of some imagined "good" that will come from it, let us remember that better things will come if we do not engage in sin. Some think they can "reach" those in sin better if they have engaged in the sin. But what is really gained by participating with others in their sin? True, we share their guilt, but is that "good"? A better end would be possible if we could refrain from that sin and show them how to do the same.
Sin is simply defined by God as an act violating His law (1 John 3:4). When we know to do good, but fail to do it, we sin (James 4:17). God's law clearly teaches His will for us to know completely (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
As churches begin to drift in their practice and engage in things not authorized, we hear some brethren talk about all of the "grey areas" or lack of "clarity" on various issues. Whether it be Bible teaching on modesty, social drinking, gambling, fellowship or a myriad of other issues, the current efforts to muddy the water are obvious. According to some folks, we cannot be sure who is a "false teacher." We cannot state with our former certainty that it is wrong to go to the prom or some other dance. We hear that divorce and remarriage is a "knotty problem" that "lacks sufficient clarity" for us to be certain what the Lord really meant. We cannot even be sure what a "day" means in creation. Do you see a pattern here? The doors of tolerance are being opened to sin and error by the old denominational plea: "That's just your interpretation." The fact remain that we are commanded, "Be not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Ephesians 5:17).
"Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. And He said to them, 'You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God'" (Luke 16:14-15).
Often, the very people who earlier claimed that we cannot know the truth for sure will affirm we great confidence their superior understanding to that of the simple-minded or ignorant person who holds to the literal truth of Scripture.
"Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" (Matthew 7:22-23).
Social gospel efforts seek to use the ends to justify the means. Liberal brethren have justified everything from kitchens to gyms with the claim that they do so much good with them. Such efforts are not unique to institutional churches. Wherever food, fun and frolic are the allurement, truth suffers (Romans 1:16).
Self-justification is a dangerous approach to dealing with our sins. Instead of trying to rationalize away our guilt, we ought to admit it and seek God's forgiveness. Instead of trying to excuse ourselves before others and maintain our pride, we ought to humble ourselves and admit our wrong. Confession is good for the soul both now and eternally.