I think the following would come under the definition of a factoid. It’s irrefutable. We would all like to let the world see us in our best light. As a matter of fact, it’s downright difficult for people to lead with their weaknesses as opposed to showing others their perceived strengths. Many of us have legitimate reasons (we think), for wanting to keep our shortcomings hidden in the dark, hopefully never to see the light of day. Some of us can even trick ourselves into believing that our true self is the one we show to others and not the one we take to bed with us, by ourselves each and every night. The thing is that the longer we hide from ourselves, the more likely we are to have trouble understanding and then dealing with who we really are as people. Some call it false self-righteousness. I call it denial.
The problem with spiritual denial is it’s just about impossible to do. You cannot deny your own sinfulness. You cannot hide from your sin(s). There is no rationalization for the exclusion of God in your life. Regardless of how much you want to show the world your high moral standards or perceived high spiritual standing, when it comes right down to you and God, that dog simply won’t hunt. In order to get your life in balance, you must first recognize the futility of trying to come off to others as if sin is not a part of who you truly are. The thing is, it’s all about how you come off to the Lord. That’s the real issue, isn’t it?
After all, when the lights go out and it’s just you, are you really alone? Maybe that’s why some people need to have anything but silence and solitude as companions. In relation to God however, it’s not always a comfortable situation because in God’s eyes and subsequently yours, you’re never alone. You can’t run. You cannot hide. Wherever you are, He is. Whatever you are, He knows. Whatever you did, well that’s the nature of God. And the nature of God demands that you lead with your weaknesses. Bring Him your sins. Confess and then you and your God can begin to take some sort of positive action about your life. I’m just here to tell you that there is a process to what I’m talking about. Basically it requires you to empty your closet. Acknowledge the dirt. Understand its nature, which is unique to you, and bring it into God’s house. He’s the only one who can really clean it up anyway. It’s His nature and by His nature your forgiveness is guaranteed. Can you say the real Mr. Clean? That’s one of the many beauties of Christ Jesus. His life and death and life paid for and took care of the need to hide your sinful nature from anyone.
“He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13. Confession allows God to enter into the picture. Confession is a declaration that comes from that place deep within you that accepts the truth about grace and blessings. You then become an example to the world that openly declares, ‘My name is __________, and I’m a sinner who has been saved. God has accepted me for who I truly am. I am nothing without Him. With Him, I am everything. Look at me and learn. Examine me and see Him. I am who I am, blessed beyond my own comprehension.’
James, jaws@dallasweekly.com