They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. (Neh. 9:2)
SHARING OUR SHORTCOMINGS is scary yet necessary. It requires a level of vulnerability that is not easy. When I lost my job due to the company’s losing a big contract, I did not want to discuss it with anyone. I feared the judgment of others. I worried they would somehow think I was the reason for my departure and would consider me less than worthy as an employee and person. However, God often calls us to be authentic with others for their benefit as much as our own. And, in sharing with another individual what happened to me, I created a safe space for them to share their stories as well. Furthermore, the initial conversation led to more in-depth conversations about life, love, and Christ.
We have all sinned just like the Israelites. However, they were willing, under the right leadership, to stand before God and not only confess their current sins, but also the sins of their ancestors.
The key to salvation and holy living is not absolute perfection. Only Christ can enjoy that. The key is a willing heart ready to confess the sins of our past and present, while seeking forgiveness and accepting the consequences of our actions. Kingdom leaders are not perfect, but they are willing to pursue perfection in the light of Christ’s image by living authentically before others and God.
Authentically share your testimony of God’s saving grace in your life.
Tara Klein, a lover of words, shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a female, mother, and wife to invite others into God’s unconditional love.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
