We are never to become proud or arrogant thinking we are above sin. We are to become a humble and penitent people. In doing so, we will show ourselves as a good example. They will see someone much like themselves. They will see someone who struggles with wrong, but yet, someone who depends totally on God for his righteousness, never on himself.
Confession is a painful thing.
It is however, a necessary thing. If I know you are weak and that you do not know all the answers, I'll be more likely to listen to what you have to say about God than if you came across as one who had heaven by the tail.