Probably the most dangerous lie to believe is this: that you're (I'm) not all bad; that, actually, you (I) scrub up pretty well. Hypocrisy is bad: putting on a veneer of religiousness so that others think you're good. Receiving accolades without a sincere heart. But what's worse is believing this lie.
At church we looked at Luke 15, the 3 parables about Jesus receiving the lost with joy. The 3rd parable, the prodical son, see both sons sin: one, a sin of libertine (my new word for the day :) pride, the other a pride stemming from self-righteousness, a legalism that prevented him from enjoying life with his father. But worse by far, a pride that kept him from recognising his need for forgiveness. The difference between the 2 sons is not in terms of whether they sin- they both are sinful- but in their recognition of their sin and repentance.
Pride leaves us high and dry. Elusively it sprouts, totally disorientating us, leaving us hopelessly lost- but worse, we're oblivious to the fact!
Contrasted to this is the joy and generosity of the father. Rescuing sinners, showing mercy and providing salvation generously is an expression of God's righteousness. Humbly recognise your need, and happily be on the receiving end.
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