If confession is good for the soul, why is there so little of it?
Is it because we can’t stand to see ourselves in a bad way? Do we plead ignorance or that we tried our best? Do we blame someone or something to avoid acknowledging our part in what went wrong? This is not confession; this is denial.
I am reminded that there is no way to take a slow, honest, reflective journey to Easter without participating in confession. We need to come clean with God. No matter what extenuating circumstances contributed, we must own our self-serving attitudes and self-protecting denials.
This is not a beat-yourself-down confession. God never wins by making us look bad.
Instead, it is more of a spiritual bath, a cleansing, a freeing. We never think twice about a daily shower but quickly reject daily confession.
Confession gives God more space to work. The more we are willing to admit where we failed to reflect acceptance, follow-through, self-control, or anything else, the more God trusts us with His messages, nudges, and work in His kingdom.
I have always believed that the war for our souls is won or lost in small things more than through big spiritual failures. Besides, confession isn’t just about failure. It is about agreeing with God about what God already knows. Confession clears the way for growth and affirms faith. Confession of faith is our daily vote that God is in charge of everything. We agree with God that the small things in our days matter. We confess our need for God’s wisdom and direction in small and big things. We confess our confidence that He is working in and through all things to bring His good to our lives. And we confess where we have trouble seeing it.
Confession agrees with God's assessment of what we do or say. It is being honest with God in every way. It grows humility and self-control. It opens the door to acceptance of ourselves because of the acceptance we find from God. We all need to know how His acceptance heals wounds and empowers life in His Spirit of Truth.
If we confess . . . God is faithful to forgive. (I John 1:9) Even as our hearts turn toward confession, God is already forgiving, healing, and empowering. It is a potent exchange, and we are fools to live below its many gifts.
Today, may we return to God’s open arms and ready ear in our journey to the cross. May we confess that we don’t know enough about ourselves, our family, or our place in this world. May we confess our ignorance even though we try to act as if we know more than we do. And with a cleared and cleaned heart, let us make more space for God to fill us with what He knows. That is the biggest gift of confession.
How will you embrace the gift of confession during this journey?