A word from Jerry Bridges-

We present-day believers have, to some extent, been influenced by the “feel good about myself” philosophy of our times. By contrast, believers in the Puritan era of the seventeenth century had a different view of themselves. They feared the reality of sin still dwelling in them.

Bridges writes this in a book about “respectable” sins, that is, the sins we tolerate; sins such as anxiety, frustration, discontentment, selfishness, impatience, etc. Consider the quote above, and now consider how often sins such as these produce deep contrition, brokenness, and remorse within us.

Do we pursue the feel good philosophy that Bridges notes above, and use our inherited sinfulness as an excuse to subtly justify continuing in our respectable sins? Or do we pursue awareness and exposure of our sin, with humble and contrite hearts before God, rejoicing in the forgiveness we’ve received through the cross while we, as justified sinners, actively put our sin to death in the strength that God provides?

May we pray as David did, and tremble as we pray-

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
Psalm 139:23-24

That we may proceed with putting our sin to death.

“Do you mortify;
do you make it your daily work;
be always at it while you live;
cease not a day from this work;
be killing sin or it will be killing you.”
-John Owen

1 John 3:9 No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God.

And a word from Charles Spurgeon-

Remember that the man who truly repents is never satisfied with his own repentance. We can no more repent perfectly than we can live perfectly. However pure our tears, there will always be some dirt in them: there will be something to be repented of even in our best repentance. But listen! To repent is to change your mind about sin, and Christ, and all the great things of God. There is sorrow implied in this; but the main point is the turning of the heart from sin to Christ. If there be this turning, you have the essence of true repentance, even though no alarm and no despair should ever have cast their shadow upon your mind. (from All of Grace, ch. 11)

I know the pursuit of holiness is not the easiest thing in the world. I speak as one who needs all the help she can get (which God so mercifully and faithfully provides; John 14:16). Look to the cross and the glorious gospel, take heart, and remember-

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13