We Are All Equal - We Are All Sinners

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One of the things that makes us all equal is we are all sinners. Sometimes this is seen and heard as a negative, but I find it a helpful concept. Reminding myself we are all sinners accomplishes several things.

It reminds me I am fallible and imperfect; therefore, capable of making mistakes I will need to apologize for. If I have the expectation that I am perfect, my frustration will increase when I make a mistake or do something wrong. As my frustration increases so will my defensiveness which often leads to irrational reactions. Defensiveness does not help me listen to others with a desire for understanding, or apologize when I need to.

One of the things my work has taught me is how adept humans are at rationalizing, justifying, and making excuses for misdeeds. We see this beginning with the original sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). Sex offenders help me come to this realization. While evaluating offenders for court I heard these amazing rationalizations. It occurred to me these individuals actually believed the stories they were telling me. The first lie was to themselves. I suddenly recognized I do the same thing with my own sin (not sex offenses for clarification).

I believe it was Winston Churchill who said, “The desire to believe something is more powerful than the facts.” The implication for this is remember in the midst of a disagreement you could be wrong. Your recall of an event could easily be incorrect. This humble attitude allows us to listen better and be open to other’s ideas. Also, it reflects the humility associated with becoming more like Christ.

Also recognizing others are sinful allows me to be more patient with them rather than judge and criticize them. Believing everyone is going to make mistakes creates an expectation that is more consistent with reality and promotes compassion.

While in graduate school my major professor introduced to me the concept of “Best Effort.” This is an idea that I think has improved my counseling skills through the years. “Best Effort” suggests an individual is doing the best they can with their DNA and learning from life experiences. If I had the same DNA and life experiences there is an increased probability I would respond in a similar manner to this person. My perspective becomes more empathetic when I think a person is doing the best they can.

Dealing with testy teenagers as a parent is a great example. If we consider their immature brain development and normal developmental task of becoming independent, why wouldn’t we expect them to think they know everything. Normalizing this unhealthy behavior rather than portraying it as a permanent character flaw allows us to respond with problem solving instead of emotional reactivity and yelling. Also, think of some of the “stupid” things you did as an adolescent that you no longer do.

If we are all sinners, then no one is better than anyone else. This eliminates the need for comparison. Comparing ourselves to other people is an unhealthy process. Most often, we decide we are better than they are, or not as good as they are. This leads to pride or self loathing. Comparison often becomes a distraction to doing the right thing and accomplishing our goals.

Finally, and most importantly, the idea that we are all sinners is a significant part of the gospel. We are imperfect and need reconciliation with a perfect God. Without the recognition of our imperfection, we are unable to see the need for a Savior. Recognition of our needs directs the course of our lives. I have never gone shopping for a parachute because I have no intention of jumping out of an airplane.

1 John 1:8 reads if we say, “we have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. Believing this verse leads to humility, an outstanding life trait. Declaring ourselves and others sinners is not being harsh and judgmental, but being realistic. This reality helps promote healthier interpersonal relationships, better mental health, and most importantly it is the beginning of our recognition of a need for a Savior in Jesus Christ.