The Orthodox Christian faith has no qualms about calling out sin for what it is. Even one who is not acquainted with Orthodoxy would quickly discover this upon attending the Divine Liturgy, the normal Eucharistic service of the Church. The prayers before Holy Communion are clear about our position in the world:
I believe, O Lord, and I confess that Thou art truly the Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who camest into the world to save sinners, of whom I am first.
This is purposely reminiscent of statements the Apostle Paul made in his first epistle to St. Timothy:
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. (1 Timothy 1:15)
The Canon of Repentance is even more vivid, saying things such as:
I think of the terrible day and weep over mine evil deeds. How shall I answer the Immortal King? With what boldness shall I, I prodigal, look at the Judge? O compassionate Father, O Only-begotten Son, and Holy Spirit, have mercy on me. (Jordanville Prayer Book)
Statements such as these are part of the clear and concerted effort of the Orthodox Church to directly attack our inflated opinion of ourselves. It is only through this work that we can begin to change how we think about ourselves and learn how to become like Jesus Christ. Even Christ Himself spoke of this:
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5)
Through listening to and mimicking the words of Christ, we gradually become able to begin to learn humility. The word humility comes from the Greek word, “huma,” meaning dirt. Dirt, of course, is the foundation of our earth and what makes us able to walk steadily upon the ground. It is, quite literally, trampled upon by all. Yet the dirt thinks nothing of this, and instead provides us with a surface to walk on, nutrients for our crops, a place to rest the dead, and countless other benefits without which we are unable to exist. Our goal is to learn to become like dirt.
I begin to realize that I am nothing. I am a sinner, so why should I be shocked about my sin? My only response to sin is to thank God for the gifts He has given me and to repent. As the psalmist David says:
Every man is a liar. What shall I render unto the Lord for all that He hath rendered unto me? I will take the cup of salvation, and I will call upon the name of the Lord. (Psalm 115)
Or more popularly, the band Twenty One Pilots says:
I will plan to be a bum, so I just might become someone. (House of Gold)
By learning humility, we slowly are transformed into the likeness of Christ, able to become by grace what He is by nature. This is hard work that will need constant diligence and effort throughout our lives. May God grant us the strength and grace to accomplish it.
Pray for me.