“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:9)
My interest was aroused when I saw the title of a commencement address: “The Ability To Be Wrong.” It was shared at New York University by the editor of “Time” magazine. I did not read all of it but the title got me to thinking how many domestic quarrels start and continue because neither husband nor wife has the ability to be wrong! The man of the house is accused of spending too much time away from home. The wife is chided for petty jealousy. Neither will budge. The barrier between teenagers and parents often is caused by the same inability to be wrong.
In the business world the ability to be wrong is in short demand. The young junior executive, fresh out of college, offers a fistful of progressive ideas, challenging the traditional operation. The experienced senior executive disdains the cocky, know-it-all newcomer. They hold each other at arm’s length, each convinced of the other’s wrong position. Political viewpoints harden in a similar fashion, giving rise to bitter controversy and a reluctance to back down. All because of the inability to be wrong.
The Apostle John clearly addresses this issue, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Not one of us has the right to claim we are always right. The husband and wife, the teenager, the young or older executive, and the politician suffer from the same malady – sin. We need to develop the ability to humble ourselves when it becomes evident that we were wrong. Forgiveness is so easy to give when we do that. Then, as John reminds us, “God will forgive and renew us.”
When we humble ourselves before the cross God declares us righteous for Christ’s sake. Home relationships, office camaraderie improve greatly when we acquire the ability to be wrong. Forgiven, we are free to admit our wrongs to our neighbor at home, at work, and in the community. Only God gives us the ability to be wrong. What a difference our world would be if we would learn that ability.
“Lord, help me to admit to others when I am wrong for Christ’s sake. Amen.”
Pastor Brunner is the founder and director of Jim Brunner Ministries
