SEEING
SINS IN GOD’S LIGHT

Topics: Arrogance; Bible; Brokenness; Experiencing God; Hearing God; Humility; Prayer; Pride; Renewal; Seeking God; Spiritual Growth; Spiritual Perception

References: Isaiah 66:2; Jeremiah 33:3; Micah 6:8; 1 Corinthians 13:12

I wanted a deeper relationship with God, and I thought Isaiah 66:2 was speaking to me in the words “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.” But I didn’t understand the connection between humility and trembling before God’s Word. So I prayed, “Lord, please make this verse real to me.”

Five days later, my wife and I were driving down the Oregon coast. I was meditating on 1 Corinthians 13:12, which says: “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” I prayed, “God, please open my eyes to this evil in my heart.”

As we followed Highway 101 south, I sensed a connection between Isaiah 66:2 and 1 Corinthians 13:12. So I prayed, “God, show me the connection between these verses.”

A few minutes later, my wife began talking about a movie she liked. Irritated by the intrusion of such a trivial topic, I belittled her opinion. Instantly, three life-changing words knifed into my consciousness: There it is!

What was that? I wondered. Then I realized God had spoken. So I asked, “What is it?” An overwhelming sense of moral ugliness—my arrogance and pride—washed over me. For the first time I saw those sins in God’s light.

My next sensation was the profound conviction that God had loved me for forty-five years despite these besetting sins. It was painful to see my pride as God saw it. Yet I was glad for that glimpse. I wept for my sin, and I wept because of God’s indescribable love.

—William P. Farley, “The Indispensable Virtue,” Discipleship Journal (September/October 2001)