"If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

Self-deception is a fairly common defense mechanism.  We tell ourselves that an injury is not as bad as it appears, and our bodies react by healing more quickly.  We tell ourselves that we will start following our diet tomorrow, and when we believe that, we feel less guilty about choices we make today.

But when it comes to sin, self-deception is a silent killer.

1 John tells us that when we ignore the fallen nature of man, then we begin to miss a very important element of our journey toward righteousness - the truth.

In common terms:  When we say that there is nothing blocking our progress toward God, then we miss the fact that Jesus died to relieve us from what is blocking us.  To say there is no sin in me, is to say that I never had a need for Christ.

If you desire righteousness - consider the cross necessary.