Agreeing with God

Monday - August 23rd

Scripture to Read Today: 1 John 1:1-10

---

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our

sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:8-9

Years ago, someone sent me a black and white sketch and asked me if I saw an older woman or a young lady. You can look at the drawing here on this page. What do you see? A young woman? An older lady?

When I have shown the picture to groups of people, some are adamant that it is only a sketch of one or the other. Sometimes people begin to argue that the other one doesn't exist. Most groups can't come to a complete agreement on what they are seeing.

While it is pretty trivial whether or not a drawing like this is an older woman or a young lady, there are essential things about which there should be agreement. In terms of the Christian life, the Apostle John tells us that certain things are black and white - very clear. In the first chapter of 1 John, he says that we need to walk in the light, not the darkness, as God's children. We need to see the clear distinction between what is good and what is evil.

In seeking to live and love like Jesus, we need to recognize when we step into the darkness. We need not only to know we have stepped out of the light and into the darkness, but we are also to agree with God that it is indeed sin. We need to acknowledge the truth as He sees it. "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:8-9).

Critical to the continual cleansing and consistent, faithful forgiveness of God is our confession. The original New Testament Greek word for confession conveys the idea of "saying the same thing as." In terms of our confession of our sins to God, we agree and say the same thing about our wrong as God says about it. To confess then is to agree with God. That is not always easy, but it is necessary for our spiritual health and growth.

The great news is that when we agree with God in how we see our sin, we acknowledge we have stepped into the darkness, God remains faithful in forgiving us. As we agree with God, we experience His cleansing power. He then leads us back into the light, into righteousness.

What aspects of your thoughts, attitudes, or behavior are out of alignment with God's will for your life? Where have you stepped into the darkness?

Build into your walk with God the practice of confession - agreeing with God that your sin is sin.