Truth denied

Recent board meetings brought critique of me that I did not like. In fact, my initial reaction was frustration and anger. But upon closer examination, what was said was true. I just did not want to hear the truth. When I evaluate myself, I like to put the best possible spin on issues.

A survey by TNS Intersearch showed that I am no different than most people when asked to critique themselves. Parents assessed the quality of their involvement in their child's education showing that more than 8 out of 10 gave themselves high marks (A's and B's). However, when assessing other parents' involvement 76% gave C's, D's and F's. Interesting, isn't it? We see ourselves in a much better light.

As followers of Jesus, we walk an unusual line as we view ourselves. On one hand (without Jesus) we are "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6 NIV). Yet with Jesus we are "a new creation" (II Corinthians 5:17NIV).

Thomas á Kempis, a 15th century German monk, wrote in his book The Imitation of Christ saying, "Through humility you will show me what I am, what I have been and from whence I came, for I am nothing and did not know. If I am left to myself, then I am nothing, and all is frailty and imperfection..." Correct assessment (critique) of ourselves comes only when we see who we are with and without Christ. The gap is huge.

Let us rest in the fact that in ourselves we are nothing, but in Christ we are of infinite value.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." (Isaiah 64:6 NIV)

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" (II Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Sharing the journey with you,