The human capacity to live in a state of denial is astounding. We deny all kinds of things seemingly on a daily basis. I have witnessed it in all it's forms. It comes in all shapes and sizes.
Denial has a cousin it's name is Justification. Equally as astounding and as old as the original sin. "She made me do it" "It wasn't my fault you gave her to me" I believe was the first utterance of both from the mouth of Adam. And thus started a long and varied relationship we have had with these two destructive words that leave the utterer in darkness.
These two words have often perplexed me. I try my best not to live in either state and find myself looking in the proverbial mirror a little too often than is comfortable. I continually examining my motives for doing this or that so as not to live in neither Denial or justification. But alas I find that I still do it. I still eat way to much at Fajitas when I know that is one of the reasons I can't lose this horrid weight. Or I make a decision based on my comfort rather than what is best and in my mind justify it until the next time I look in the mirror and see what I have done.
Then there are those in my life that only seem to live in denial and justification. I learned of another instance today that made me very angry for a short time and then it made me sad. How horrible and fallen some are, that live their entire lives trying to Justify the mistakes they have made that have hurt the ones they claim to love.
In 1st Peter 1:13-16 we are called to be holy, obedient, self controlled. He asks us to prepare our minds. If we do this, if we strive to do what is required of us. Is there any room for DENIAL and JUSTIFICATION? No! We are called to be Holy as Christ is holy.
<1 Peter 1:13-16
13Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
The only acceptable justification was the reason Christ gave his life for us.
Romans 5:18
Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.
I'm so glad he did and for that wonderful gift I will continue to look habitually in the mirror. Even though I may not like what I see I will strive not to live my life in denial and justification so that he knows I'm thankful for HIS justification and this LIFE he has given me.
