This gap can be brought on by a lack of self-knowledge. It can be very painful to take a deep look at our own heart and mind; it requires a level of honesty that is disarming and can be downright frightening. Others are likely to see our duplicity before we do. Those who were formed in the strictest way, with all of its dos and don’ts, are quick to judge other’s wrongs by this measuring stick. Those who grew up with criticism have learned to criticize; those who were discipled to only see actions are not good at seeing attitudes, especially their own. Those who rest in a past full surrender may be blind to present unloving actions in their own lives; they may be oblivious to their own arrogance that believes they can do no wrong. They know nothing of a life of confession and repentance, since theirs was once and for all. Their sanctimonious pretensions prevent them from praying, “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.” (Luke 11:4a NIV). This is why sanctification can never be a great second point in our spiritual timeline; it is a higher dimension into which we have entered and seek to live. You can “move on” to something else in a timeline, but when you live in a dimension whose goal is to be like Jesus, there is always daily work to be done and a daily cross to bear. Look at Jesus! Look at yourself! Confess the gap! This will foster credibility to your witness.
