A Confession

Two events this week were used by the devil to attack me. One was the Trayvon Martin trial (EVERY aspect of it) and the reactions to it by pretty much everyone. I felt like everyone was playing these well-defined roles, like people were lowering themselves to something less than free beings. I couldn't help but see it all as an empty game and contempt crept into my heart.

Then there is the box office underperformance of PACIFIC RIM. The comedy GROWN-UPS outperformed it. Here is an exciting, original idea well-executed, falling to the lowest form of entertainment. Or that is how I saw it.

Well, I need to get over myself. I'm a judgmental jerk playing my own role. I'm no better. Anything in me that is better is found in plenty of other people and is a gift from God. I can't even recognize those gifts without corrupting them with dirty, nasty ego. Shame on me.

I would've done well this week to remember my "Epistle to Titus": Titus 3:1-11 'Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless."

I try not to be a moral-aesthetic snob. It is my supreme sin, my ego become demonic. Help free me of this terrible judgmentalism, God. "Crush me down, so I may be raised up."