Following a social engagement with friends, my wife commented that I had been a bit harsh with one person in connection with a certain political discussion.  I protested, claiming to have been quite reasonable in my comments.  It took me a while to acknowledge that what counted was not my perception, but the perception of the person with whom I was having the discussion.  

Later, I was reminded of the words of Jesus to the disciples at the Last Supper when he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.  Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, ‘Surely it is not I, Lord?’” (Matthew 26:21-22) Each of them protested, yet all of them abandoned Jesus at the time of his arrest; and, of course, we are familiar with Peter later denying three times that he knew Jesus.

Our tendency is to resist acknowledging our sin or wrongdoing.  Even when we acknowledge it, we often make excuses or rationalize our conduct.  We resist correction and then compound our resistance by getting angry with the person who is trying to help us.

This occurs in varying ways.  It can be a job evaluation that indicates we are not doing our best.  Sometimes it shows up in an argument with a family member or friend.  We may dismiss our use of negative humor or participating in gossip.  We may go along with a business practice of questionable integrity so as not to rock the boat.

No matter how long we have been walking with the Lord, we are still capable of betraying Christ’s presence in us, along with his mercy and kindness.  We can deny our wrongdoing, or acknowledge it, seek forgiveness and pray for greater faithfulness.  Proverbs 12:1 may get it right when it says, “He who hates correction is stupid.” (NIV)   

Do I humble myself and acknowledge when I do something wrong, or do I say, “Surely, not I, Lord?”