Some people in John’s days taught that if they loved God enough and wanted to obey him, eventually they would become nearly perfect.

Even though we know that we are not perfect, sometimes we can be tempted to think about ourselves like this as well. Sometimes we think that our sins are not that bad.

What are some of the ways that we might be tempted to think that our sins are not too bad?

• Blame-shifting. We might say, “It is not my fault that I got angry — my brother stole my book from me. It is his fault.”
• Blame-sharing. Often we think that our sins are not so bad because everyone does it. Everyone bullies that kid at school, so it is not that bad when I do it.
• We do not call it sin. Sometimes what God calls sin, we no longer call sin. We know that when God tells us to obey our parents, he wants us to do it straightaway. But we do not think it is wrong to wait ten seconds before obeying.
• Justify or finding “good” reasons for sinning. We might think, I was not able to play on the computer the other night when I am normally allowed to, so it is ok to play on it now instead, even though you know your parents would not allow you to.
• Ignore our sin. Sometimes we know we have sinned but just ignore it. We know that we should ask someone else for forgiveness, but instead we go and read a book.

These are some examples of how we can start to think that we are pretty good people. But it is very dangerous to think that you are perfect. Because if you think this way, then you think that you do not need a Saviour. Then you think that you do not need Jesus.

But there is no way to heaven other than through Jesus Christ. If you ignore your sins, or think that you are perfect, then you will not turn to Jesus to ask him to forgive your sins.

But if you confess your sins then Jesus will certainly forgive them.

Reflection with your child:

Why is it dangerous to think you are a pretty good person?

Source: Sermon by Rev. E. Onderwater