Lance & U/C Apostolics have something in common

[Charnock]

I'm not a cycling fan, but have been following this Lance Armstrong story with interest. Over the past 16 years he was incredibly successful, and was widely considered the best in his sport. During that time, friends, colleagues, and news sources came forward with second hand evidence that he was doping (cheating).

He vigorously defended himself, and set out to personally destroy the reputations of those who questioned his integrity. He maligned everyone and anyone who brought evidence that he was doping. He successfully sued news agencies. He clung to his titles and trophies.

Last week, the U.S. and World Doping agencies stripped his 7 Tour de France titles and banned him from the sport forever. It has been proven that he had been cheating as far back as 1996, and that his previous battle with cancer was directly related to the junk he put into his body in order to win.

However, at no time has he issued an apology. Not for cheating. Not for the way he treated his colleagues and friends. Not for the disgrace he's made of cycling.

It would be easy to slam Lance, and to mock him for his hypocrisy. He is, in fact, a liar. A cheater. An embarrassment. Worse, he's unrepentant. He valued public perception, trophies, and winning, more than truth.

Unfortunately, there is a little bit of Lance in all of us. When faced with our sins we lie, just like him. We cover things up. We beat our chest and berate anyone who identifies our failures. We justify our sin because "everyone does it." All the while, we know we're wrong.

Lying for any reason is sinful, and sad. But the worst lies are the ones we tell ourselves, and God. When we are confronted for our sin we have a choice - cling to our unearned trophies and false image or confess that we are sinners in need of saving.

No one has ever been saved by showing God how "good" they are. Salvation is wrought through an admission that we have been, are, and will always be sinners. Then, and only then, will God impute His goodness to us. Lay down your pride. Let go of dishonesty. Throw away your unearned trophies.

Get real with Jesus. Jesus saves.