Some Reflections on Oprah's Interview of Lance Armstrong

I'll cut to the chase. I don't know. I watched all two-and-a-half hours of Oprah's interview. I looked into Lance Armstrong's eyes when he said, "Yes." I tried to read his voice, his posture, his body language and what he did with his hands. But to be honest, I can't know the measure of his heart. Was he sincere? I don't know—and I'm not sure that's what really matters. 

Watching Lance unpack his sin with Oprah, I saw again the human capacity for doing wrong and doing it on a large scale. I saw naked pride and unbelievable selfishness. I saw a hubris out of control. I saw a cheater, a liar and a bully. I saw a man deluded; a man who rationalized his behavior and then ruthlessly attacked anyone who threatened him with truth. 

And I saw myself.  

I guess was interested to hear Lance's confession and understand his motivation because I too am a miserable sinner. Okay, before you jump to conclusions, I'm not doping. I've never taken performance enhancing drugs—and none of my performances would even come close to suggesting that I had ;) But I recognize that me and Lance have the same sin-nature. As a believer, I am convinced that my sin-nature is dead—yet sometimes it's like a zombie—I do that which I do not want to do.

Watching Lance, I couldn't help but think of Jesus' words about anger and murder, about lust and adultery, and about loving enemies. Haven't we all entertained our own pride? Don't we all have that guy in us that wants to deny everything? Aren't we all bullies? I know I can be. I too am prideful and selfish. Even if Lance Armstrong's failures are an order of magnitude greater than mine, aren't my failures enough to disqualify me? Seeing his failure, I gain insight into my own propensity for being deceived and being a deceiver.  

Somehow in this, God is magnified.

Despite our many failings, the God of the universe still chooses to know us, to love us, to save us, and to invite us to become like him. Yes, Lance Armstrong's story is a cautionary tale. We are all weak and predisposed to pride. But even more than that, how remarkable it is that we can be redeemed, useful, and even a friend to a Holy God. I am in awe of a God who chooses to take us imperfect people on a journey of becoming more like him. It is a ride that's longer and more challenging than the Tour de France, and it is ultimately more rewarding.

Lance Armstrong stated that his ex-wife told him, "the truth will set you free." I assume that she was quoting Jesus. And I assume that Lance hopes to be free from this long lie. I do know that Truth does bring freedom—but I am reminded that we can only know the Truth when we obey Truth's teachings. 

As much as I'd like to, and as easy as it would be, I'm in no position to judge Lance Armstrong. I don't believe Lance Armstrong is completely depraved—just depraved enough to require a Savior. And it turns out, that's just like me.