I am the biggest sinner. That’s not a title I wear with any sense of pride, however. I wear the title with shame and humility. But the bigger question, though, is why I am the biggest sinner?
The answer to that is rooted in the study of Edwards’s resolution number 8.
It has a lot to do with fatal flaws. The matter of those is the premise of many common Shakespearean plotlines and countless others. In fact, it’s common in much of today’s television and film.
Usually, it is rooted in conflict with others and self. Fatal flaws are born of selfishness, yes, but they also are the result of our lacking in empathy and compassion.
To overcome, it requires a heart of humility in confession to God.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 8
Edwards’ Resolution #8 (in my modernized language) Resolved: To speak and act as if I am the biggest sinner; and when I see others sin, I’ll feel as if I had also done it and have the same weaknesses, so I can promote humility in myself as I confess my own sins to God.
The Fatal Flaws We Observe in Others…
It’s really easy for us to see the sins of others. We like to point them out and make sure others see them as well. It’s even more the case when we see people repeat those sins time and time again.
Is seems like those sins are the fatal flaws of their characters. We realize it is going to be their ultimate undoing. But they don’t.
We may ask why they can’t see and realize their fatal flaws. However, what we should be asking ourselves is “What are my fatal flaws and how might I best respond?”
It’s easier to see the fatal flaws of others than it is of our own. Ironically, though, what we see in others is often the unseen behaviors of ourselves. Yet, there is opportunity and an antidote for such fatal flaws.
Our Fatal Flaws Are Our Opportunity
We people are prone to selfishness, arrogance, and so many other fatal flaws. Shakespeare’s Romeo, for instance, has the fatal flaw of inclusiveness. The perils of it repeat throughout the play and ultimately leads to his demise and that of his love, Juliet.
By acknowledging and understanding our broken nature, we have knowledge that we are never fully complete. We need to be always working on our personal development.
It is an opportunity to grow in our discipleship.
Fatal Flaws or Thorn in the Side?
The Apostle Paul famously had a thorn that goes undisclosed throughout scripture. He hints that it is a human weakness, but that, in Christ, he is strong.
Was Paul ever “cured” of the thorn? That is doubtful. And that can be an encouraging reality for you and I.
Though we may not be cured of our fatal flaws, we can go forward despite them.
For instance, I have a very limit ability to smell most things. It is probably a result of either years of sinus trouble or brain damage. I will never know and I am okay with that. I instead consider it to be a “thorn” in my own side, reminding me of my human frailty and that I am flawed – just like everyone else.
Yes, like everyone else. Something else to always be mindful of; we are all flawed.
I use this as constant call to humility.
In so doing, I can understand the only possibly antidote.
The “Antidote” for Fatal Flaws
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9
While there is no earthly cure for our fatal flaws, there is a “workaround” or “antidote” of sorts. Unlike poor behavior, sing runs much deeper. Only grace can counteract our sin nature. Only heart transforming grace can truly provide rescue.
God grants us a spiritual cleansing that rids our sin’s defilement. As this verse shows, it’s a continuous – an ongoing – pardon and purification from sin. For this reason, we must daily (throughout every day even) be confessing our sins.
Seek God’s forgiveness and cleansing daily.
And He is just
He is faithful to forgive.