Defensive? Who, me?

"As human beings we ARE defensive. But when we feel unsafe and attacked, it usually gets worse. " ~Leslie Vernick

I never thought of it like that. I know we get (more) defensive when we feel unsafe and attacked, but the first part got me. The question I asked was, "Why? Why ARE we defensive as humans?"

The answer is: Because we are guilty.

Guilty of what?

We are "GUILTY" before a living, loving, holy God. The prophet Isaiah recognized this immediately as he stood as a witness in God's throne room: "I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of His robe filled the temple." (Is. 6:1) In response, Isaiah, who was relatively good in the midst of his culture, cried out, "Woe is me! For I am lost: for I am a man of unclean lips... my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!" (Is. 6:5) We are guilty of all that He is not. That is, sin.

Thus, we ARE defensive. We are in a defensive position before a holy and mighty God.

In Christ, though, we are declared innocent. Jesus Christ IS our defense.

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit, alive in Christ Jesus, has set you free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-2)

So, what does that mean?

If you trust Jesus, you don't have to stand in defense of your sin. Through the Holy Spirit, you are being convicted of sin, and repenting of sin, and living in freedom from the bondage of sin. 1John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." We don't defend our sin, we forsake it!

Defensive-ness is the response of someone who is insecure in their standing... before God, before men. Whether it is true guilt we are feeling, or something unjustly imposed on us by someone seeking to gain authority and power over us, we need to deal with it. - Are you guilty? Admit it. If someone is unjustly accusing you, say so. Your defensiveness is understandable, but not helpful.

In Christ, we have a sure foundation.

"God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from sin." (2Tim. 2:19)

Where do you stand?