We All Fail in Some Way

If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin . . . 2 Chronicles 6:36

In times of personal struggle, it’s easy for me to maintain a sense of humility. When I’m struggling with my eating and being overweight, it’s far easier for me to feel sympathy for the other guy who’s also struggling. In times of success though, I’ve found myself drifting towards self-confidence and pride, which means I’m prone to being judgmental and condescending towards those who are currently failing. When I’ve done well at eating and fitness, I’ve found myself looking down on those who aren’t doing so well.

In times of my own struggle then, I’ve found it comforting to remember that everyone struggles in some way. I often can’t see it – and maybe the other person is blind to their own struggle as well – but everyone struggles in some way. Then, in times of personal success, I also find it important to remind myself of this truth. When I’m tempted to be impressed with myself, I must remind myself that I’ve been there. I must also remind myself though, that being judgmental and condescending is its own sin. So, when I find myself indulging in my pride, I’m simply sinning differently.

I appreciate then, the words of Solomon in today’s passage. As he stood before an assembly of the people, at the dedication of the temple, he spoke to God, declaring that everyone sins. I imagine it had to be comforting for the people to hear their king be so honest about their common condition – that everyone, from king to servant, has their own struggles. Everyone may struggle differently, but everyone struggles and fails in some way.

We’re prone to the comparison trap. I’m better than that guy. I’m worse than that guy. Before God though, we’re like a million blades of grass, comparing which one of us is closer or further from the sun. From the sun’s perspective, we’re all millions of miles away. Instead of comparing, we should regularly remind ourselves of Solomon’s truth – We all have our own struggles. We all fail in some way. For some of us, our failure is that we’re simply condescending towards those who have more obvious struggles. Before God though, we all fall terribly short of perfection and we all desperately need a savior.