The first lesson of grace is the reality of sin. Until God moves in our hearts and gives us the new birth, we actually believe that we are just fine. Oh, there may be a few "rough edges" that need to be worked over a little bit, but overall, we are doing just fine, thank you very much. But the truth of who and what we are is far darker, far more dangerous, and infinitely more repulsive. We are utterly, completely, and without exception, self-centered, self-satisfied, and self-serving. The most altruistic of men, at the bottom of his hidden motives, does what he does for selfish reasons. Even if that reason is just that it makes him happy. If the only thought that drives our happiness is self, is it not self-centered, self-satisfied and self-serving? By definition, the answer is yes. And selfish motives are pride in disguise. Always. Here then is the root of our sin nature exposed; God gave Adam a simple, clear, and obtainable command. For him to obey, only one thing was required, that he thought more of God than he did of himself. And we all know the outcome of that question, the result, however, has implications that we all face daily. For the sin of self has become our defining attribute. (and those who even now are angry at this, only prove my point) we can do nothing without finally doing that which seems best to us, and here is where grace steps in. God moves in grace teaching us to see the world as it truly IS, not as we would like it to be. He shows us that we are guilty of hating truth, hating righteousness, hating HIM, that we still think we can do it better than He can. And when grace moves to teach usd this simplest and most painful of facts, we are broken. Repentance is the first response of a newly living heart. But it does not stop there. For the path of repentance is an every day, all day pursuit. We MUST deny self, we MUST pursue truth, we MUST live in a way that is consistent with God's truth and will. This is why, when someone claims Christ, but reserves for himself the right to sin, he only shows that he lies in every word. That his heart does not live, that he is serving only the god of self. Oh my precious child, if this is you, I beg you with all that I am, turn from sin, die to self and cast yourself upon the mercy of Christ, you will not be denied!!