Yesterday, we finished our look at the discipline of confession. We talked about the necessity of confession and took a closer look at its intent and how it works. The truth is that this is a difficult subject for many of us for a variety of reasons. Some of us don't really understand the point of confession and why it's a crucial part of our Christian walk. Others of us (and truthfully far too many of us) have been wounded or betrayed by others and don't know if trusting someone with ourselves is worth the risk.
There are a few things that we've discussed that I hope will help reduce those fears and concerns... Our sin separates us from God. Our confession to God draws us closer to God. The sacrifice of Jesus, allowing him to take the place between us and God as a mediator, provides forgiveness for our sins. If that's the case, why do I need to confess anything to anyone else? Put simply, you are not required to. We read in 1 John 1:9 that if we confess our sins, then we will be forgiven. This leads to the question "if I don't have to do it, then why are we spending weeks talking about it?"
There is more to it than that.
Just as our confession draws us closer to God, our confession to those around us binds us together. You were never intended to carry that weight alone. Carrying the secret by yourself literally wears you down (see Psalm 32). Confession is about more than admitting wrongdoing - it provides an opportunity for healing (James 5:16). If we make use of this discipline, we don't have to struggle alone. We can know that there are others to come beside us and help us bear our burdens. Our silence gives our secrets power over us. The darkness that accompanies our secrets is gone when they are exposed to the light. God has made provision to redeem us from our sins, but some of us still carry them. What we need to understand is that we are willingly choosing to carry a load that we were not intended to when we keep silent.
Our unwillingness to be transparent with others actually says one of two things. Either 1) I don't trust you or 2) I don't need you. To admit our shortcomings is a frightening thing because we are giving someone power over us. This should be done carefully. Having said that, we need to examine our motives for keeping to ourselves. Too often, it is because we don't want to have to humble ourselves to someone else. We shouldn't be misled on this point. Confessing to a brother or sister is a humbling experience, but sometimes a necessary step. If I find myself trapped in the same sin over and over again, I have to humble myself, confess where I have failed and ask for your help. To do anything else is dishonest, because if I could make it alone I wouldn't find myself trapped in the same place.
This whole concept is not a destination. It is a starting place. I'm not suggesting that you corner the next person you see at church and have a heart to heart about the deepest corners of your soul. Instead, let's start small. Find someone who's opinion you value and who's judgment you trust. Then be honest about where you are. Even with someone you trust, you may find this difficult. You may feel that there isn't someone who really fits that description in you life. This sounds a little simplistic, but God will make a way if you're serious about it. In the coming weeks, we'll be looking at some specific aspects of this in the accountability groups we're forming. There will be more to follow on that.
I know that this is a sprawling post, so if I've left out something important feel free to add it in. If I've raised or forgotten to answer a question, let me know and we'll find an answer together.
Just as our confession draws us closer to God, our confession to those around us binds us together. You were never intended to carry that weight alone. Carrying the secret by yourself literally wears you down (see Psalm 32). Confession is about more than admitting wrongdoing - it provides an opportunity for healing (James 5:16). If we make use of this discipline, we don't have to struggle alone. We can know that there are others to come beside us and help us bear our burdens. Our silence gives our secrets power over us. The darkness that accompanies our secrets is gone when they are exposed to the light. God has made provision to redeem us from our sins, but some of us still carry them. What we need to understand is that we are willingly choosing to carry a load that we were not intended to when we keep silent.
Our unwillingness to be transparent with others actually says one of two things. Either 1) I don't trust you or 2) I don't need you. To admit our shortcomings is a frightening thing because we are giving someone power over us. This should be done carefully. Having said that, we need to examine our motives for keeping to ourselves. Too often, it is because we don't want to have to humble ourselves to someone else. We shouldn't be misled on this point. Confessing to a brother or sister is a humbling experience, but sometimes a necessary step. If I find myself trapped in the same sin over and over again, I have to humble myself, confess where I have failed and ask for your help. To do anything else is dishonest, because if I could make it alone I wouldn't find myself trapped in the same place.
This whole concept is not a destination. It is a starting place. I'm not suggesting that you corner the next person you see at church and have a heart to heart about the deepest corners of your soul. Instead, let's start small. Find someone who's opinion you value and who's judgment you trust. Then be honest about where you are. Even with someone you trust, you may find this difficult. You may feel that there isn't someone who really fits that description in you life. This sounds a little simplistic, but God will make a way if you're serious about it. In the coming weeks, we'll be looking at some specific aspects of this in the accountability groups we're forming. There will be more to follow on that.
I know that this is a sprawling post, so if I've left out something important feel free to add it in. If I've raised or forgotten to answer a question, let me know and we'll find an answer together.
Too many times we fail to share with others, because we are afraid of what they might think. The problem with that is, that without the act of confession other to God, we have no one to keep us accountable. Accountability in the church and in our daily lives is one of the most important things for us a believers. I know I have a group of guys that keep me in check, and each one brings some different sort of accountability to me. The truth is, none of us are perfect, we all have failed and fallen short, but we serve a God, whose love has no limits. We must be willing to share so that we do not carry all of our burdens alone. The awesome thing about God is, when we can no longer carry the burden he will pick it up and carry it for us, just like the cross he carried for us years ago. I am glad we have a class like this for our church, and cannot wait to see what God has in store for us! Keep serving the King and together lets help advance the kingdom!
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