Why does sin surprise us? Yes, I know. That's a strange question. We know we're sinners, and we know that we live in a fallen world. So why does it surprise us when we see the evidence of it? I'm not talking about offense or grief over it, but down and out surprise, as in "How could that have happened?"

I think we expect ourselves to be perfect the moment we accept Christ. Or we expect others to be so. Unfortunately this is not true. We can't be. We are saved, but we are still sinners capable of sinning. If we weren't, what would be the point of confession?

Ah, there's the rub. Confession is painful. Is it? Think about it a moment. If you had the choice to live in a clean, spotless house or a dirty, rat infested one, which would you choose?

Don't answer that.

First John 1:9 says it all right there. We confess it. God forgives us. We are clean once more. No judgment. Just forgiveness. So why do we run away from confession?

Truthfully, I think pride is at the heart of a lot of unconfessed sin. I, personally, don't like to admit that I'm wrong. That hurts. But am I willing to be so stubborn that I sacrifice my fellowship with God?

God's Word tells us that "The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." (Rom. 8:6) God didn't give us these verses in case we sin. He gave them to us because we do sin, will sin.

No, that does not give us cart blanche, but it does give us a glimpse of the amazing love of God. So in the presence of such a being, suddenly that prideful sin seems dirty and tainted. I certainly don't want to hold on to it, and I don't want to live in a rat-infested house either. Your mind and heart are the home of Christ. So do some cleaning. You'll be glad you did.