I think a huge, and honest reason, why we need to confess is that we're sinners. Yes, I understand that we are made new, but god is still perfecting us (Philippians 1). So what was 'made new' then? Why are we still mucking around in sin if we're made new?! What's new is our heart. We once had a heart of stone that was hardened from feeling the convictions from Holy Spirit. But our new heart is one that is alive and is able to respond and recognize the need for complete dependence in Him. This is truly an act of grace. It's such a blessed reminder that grace does not only save me, but it also transforms me NOW. Once we stop confessing, we claim a few things:
- We are perfect and do not need God. We have become our own savior. This could be due to our pride that disallows us to recognize our need to depend on Christ.
- That we're calling god a lier. He says we are sinners, us not confessing simply says, 'nope, we are sinless'.
I understand how sometimes we just feel guilty and tired of confessing the same sin over and over. When these feelings occur, I sometimes feel as if I have cheapened the blood of Christ that washes away all of our sins. But here’s the tricky weird part: I think we 'should' feel guilty sometimes, because sometimes we just ARE guilty of sin. That guilt is probably there because of many reasons. One in particular is unconfessed sins. Overall, complacency as Christians is a real danger. Complacency simply means not doing what god tells/convicts us to do which could be confessing our sins and surrendering the poop in our lives.
See, going back to my first part discussing about grace, if grace truly is taken for its complete worth and affect, change will occur. We will 'naturally' respond! But this truth is confusing! If we respond to grace, how about responding to guilt? The tragic truth in us humans is that we naturally take grace for granted. Without knowing, we sometimes cheapen grace without completely knowing it. Another tragedy is that constant guilt causes us to ignore our convictions. Isn't that crazy?! How we may potentially disregard our convictions AND guilt. See, if we are indeed sinning, we need the Lord to help us change. This is the new heart - a heart that yearns to be aligned and transformed into His which requires confession - a crucifixion of our old man. I guess the concern is, in times where guilt surfaces, what do we do? In times where Holy Spirit convicts us, how do we respond?
So where should my disciple go next in life? What should our youths pursue? Deciding on where to go next in life is normal. The vast amount of options should not, however, disable them to move. If you stand right with God, He will give you the desires of your heart and what you choose is what He wants to give to you. So whether your study endeavors is medicine, business, or ministry, etc...if your heart is for Him, what you choose will be good. Firstly, I think one should ask themselves if the Lord is sitting in the throne of their life. Example, how is your relationship with Jesus? Are you the boss? or He is? Areas to look out for to understand the vitality of your relationship with Christ is your prayer life, community life, devotional life, etc. Secondly, what excites you and inspires you? Where do you think you are most effective and stretched? Where can you be challenged the greatest? Perhaps this season of choices is for them to discover where they could be challenged, stirred, and inspired!
Even as I write this, I am challenging myself with the same questions. This is my last semester before I graduate with my first undergraduate degree. Where do I go next?! Masters of Divinity? Work? MIssions? Get married?! In the end, we're all going through these kinds of decision-making journeys together with our kids. The beauty isn't being a guru in decision-making for them, but traveling together with them and experience the transforming grace of Christ together.
