Confession
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Job 40:4.
Every act of transgression, every neglect or rejection of the grace of Christ, is reacting upon yourself; it is hardening the heart, depraving the will, benumbing the understanding, and not only making you less inclined to yield, but less capable of yielding, to the tender pleading of God’s Holy Spirit.
Many are quieting a troubled conscience with the thought that they can change a course of evil when they choose; that they can trifle with the invitations of mercy, and yet be again and again impressed. They think that after doing despite to the Spirit of grace, after casting their influence on the side of Satan, in a moment of terrible extremity they can change their course. But this is not so easily done. The experience, the education, of a lifetime, has so thoroughly molded the character that few then desire to receive the image of Jesus.
Even one wrong trait of character, one sinful desire, persistently cherished will eventually neutralize all the power of the gospel. Every sinful indulgence strengthens the soul’s aversion to God. The man who manifests an infidel hardihood, or a stolid indifference to divine truth, is but reaping the harvest of that which he has himself sown.—Steps to Christ, 34.
It is difficult for us to understand ourselves, to have a correct knowledge of our own characters. The Word of God is plain; but often there is an error in applying it to one’s self. There is liability to self-deception, and to think its warnings and reproofs do not mean me.... Self-love and confidence may give us assurance that we are right, when we are far from meeting the requirements of God’s Word.—Testimonies for the Church 5:332.
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