Why do we tend to see the best in ourselves and the worst in others?  Why do we make excuses for our behavior but come down hard on everyone else?  Why are we simultaneously defensive and judgmental?  The answer is twofold.  First, we can’t bear to confess that we fall short and that we are sinners.  And second, we try to cover up and deflect attention from our own failings by focusing on the failings of others.  Our sinful reaction to our sin just goes to prove that our sinfulness is a lot more sinful than we want to admit!  God forbid we admit the truth and be brokenhearted over our failings.  That would be terrible!  No, we must maintain the facade at all costs.  Whatever we do, we must not confess our sins…or our need for mercy.