1 John 1:8

Let’s face it, sin is way more complex and way more deadly than the average Christian thinks it is. Our flesh works so hard to minimize sin, rename sin, rationalize sin, blame-shift sin, or simply ignore sin. But ongoing sin in the life of a believer has the effect of stealing away our fellowship (close relationship/union) with the Trinity (Father, Son, Spirit). One sure sign of spiritual growth in the life of a believer is an ever-increasing sensitivity to both the obvious and the subtle sins going on inside of them and coming out of them! And in that growing believer there is deepening awareness not only of sins of action but also of sins of wrong motives, thoughts, and inactions. (Not doing the good thing I should do). Beautiful, ongoing fellowship with God is maintained as we cultivate a quick awareness of our own sin so that we will be quick to confess that sin properly to our Father who loves us. (More on that tomorrow). Note that the purpose for better awareness of our own sin is not so we will stew on that sin in shame and self-hatred! (Satan’s favorite strategy!) “Loving Father, help me to be more tuned-in to the convicting ministry of Your Holy Spirit, that I might be quick to own and quick to confess any and every sin that gets between You and me. Amen!”

PASSAGE: 1 John 1:8 - "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."

PAUSE: Jesus’s best friend, John, is clear. We deceive ourselves if we say we have no sin in our lives. We are not being truthful with ourselves and with others. Once we acknowledge our sins and confess our sins, we walk truthfully.

PRAYER: Our Father who lives in heaven, I desire to take a deep look within my soul. Today, I begin a new journey; I will be truthful about how I live my life.