Proverbs 24:16 (NIV)
For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again
No, I do not say that I never mess up. No, I do not believe that I’m perfect. No, I am not saying that I am better than anyone else. I am aware of my inconsistencies. I am aware of the wrong that I do. I am aware of my bad attitudes and poor judgment. I admit that I fall from time to time. I try my best to make quick adjustments and repent when I have done wrong. I don’t hold on to the wrong and “own” it and claim it as part of who I am. I denounce it. It is an inconsistency in my life that is not in keeping with God’s Word and His commands. As the above scripture states so plainly, even though I fall, I rise again. I don’t stay down. I repent and “rise again” to right standing with God (the definition of “righteous.”) I’m embarrassed to admit that I do wrong. It is not good for my reputation. I don’t feel good about myself when I make this type of confession, but it is necessary for me to admit my WRONG if I want to get RIGHT.
This is why I’m so concerned about the world we live in. Particularly in the “politically correct” climate that now exists. No one is willing to admit that they’re wrong. To confess that you are wrong is a humbling experience… it hurts your reputation… it lets others know that you are not “perfect.” But, it is a necessary ingredient to being made RIGHT with God… confessing WRONG.
So, here’s the difference between a righteous man and a wicked man: A righteous man falls, and he rises again. A wicked man falls, and won’t admit that he has fallen and, thus, remains fallen. Friends, there is no shame in admitting that you fall, or that you have fallen. The shame is to be fallen but deny it, and pretend that you’ve “risen” while you’re still laying flat on your back.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
