respectable sins by jerry bridges

3 min read 22-11-2024

Exploring Jerry Bridges' "Respectable Sins": Understanding and Overcoming Hidden Idolatry

Jerry Bridges' Respectable Sins: How the Seemingly Small Choices of Good People Lead to Spiritual Disaster is a powerful and insightful book that confronts the insidious nature of subtle sins. It challenges the common assumption that only overt, scandalous actions are detrimental to our spiritual lives. Bridges argues that even seemingly "respectable" sins, often cloaked in religious or moral righteousness, can ultimately lead to spiritual ruin if left unchecked. This article will delve into the key concepts of Bridges' work, exploring how we can identify and overcome these hidden idols within our own lives.

Understanding the Nature of Respectable Sins

Bridges masterfully unveils the deceptive nature of respectable sins. He defines them as actions or attitudes that, on the surface, appear harmless or even positive, yet subtly undermine our devotion to God. These aren't the blatant, easily identifiable sins; rather, they are the quieter, more insidious forms of idolatry that often go unnoticed. They are the seemingly acceptable compromises we make, the subtle justifications we employ to excuse our behavior, and the gradual drifting away from a wholeheartedly committed life with Christ.

Examples of Respectable Sins

Bridges doesn't shy away from providing concrete examples. He explores common areas where respectable sins often take root, including:

Pride: Often disguised as self-confidence or ambition. Bridges highlights how pride can subtly erode humility and dependence on God.
Self-reliance: The belief that we can achieve our goals and overcome our challenges independently, without God's help. This is a subtle form of idolatry, putting our own abilities on the pedestal instead of God.
Control: The need to control situations, outcomes, and even other people, often stemming from a lack of trust in God's sovereignty.
Uncontrolled Anger: While overt rage is easily identified, Bridges exposes the insidious nature of suppressed anger, resentment, and bitterness.
Self-pity: Focusing on our own suffering and feeling sorry for ourselves, rather than trusting in God's provision and grace.

The Root of Respectable Sins: Idolatry

Bridges' central argument is that respectable sins are ultimately rooted in idolatry. We worship something other than God—whether it's our own abilities, accomplishments, possessions, or even our own comfort. These idols subtly shape our desires, priorities, and actions, slowly pulling us away from genuine fellowship with God. He explains that these aren't necessarily conscious decisions to worship something else, but rather the result of misplaced affections and priorities.

Identifying Respectable Sins in Your Life

Identifying these hidden idols requires honest self-reflection and prayerful examination of our hearts. Bridges suggests several approaches:

Examine your priorities: What consumes your thoughts and time? Are your priorities aligned with God's priorities?
Assess your emotional responses: What triggers anger, frustration, or anxiety? Are these responses rooted in a dependence on circumstances or a lack of trust in God?
Pray for discernment: Ask God to reveal any hidden idols in your heart and give you the strength to overcome them.
Accountability: Share your struggles with a trusted friend or mentor who can provide support and encouragement.

Overcoming Respectable Sins: A Path to Freedom

Overcoming respectable sins is a journey, not a destination. Bridges emphasizes the importance of:

Repentance: Acknowledging our sins and turning away from them in humility.
Confession: Sharing our struggles with God and others.
Faith: Trusting in God's grace and forgiveness.
Obedience: Actively choosing to live in accordance with God's will.
Growth: Continuously seeking to grow in our understanding of God and His Word.

Bridges encourages the reader to lean into the grace and power available through Christ and to embrace a life of ongoing repentance and growth. He reminds us that the battle against sin is a lifelong process, but victory is found through trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion: Embracing Freedom from Respectable Sins

Jerry Bridges' Respectable Sins is more than just a book; it's a call to authentic discipleship. It challenges us to confront the hidden idols in our hearts and to pursue a life of genuine devotion to God. By understanding the subtle ways sin can manifest itself and by embracing God's grace, we can experience true freedom from the bondage of even our most respectable sins. This work is a valuable tool for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God and live a life of greater integrity and devotion.