“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working,” James 5:16
God calls us to confess or sins one to another, and He gives us pastors so there can be confidentiality, guidance, and affirmation of forgiveness. Sadly, few people avail themselves of the Godly “luxury,” but will gladly disclose their “secrets” to therapists, the cutie in accounting, the hot-guy at the water cooler, or some social media platform - all inappropriate avenues where the assurance of forgiveness cannot be found or affirmed.
But isn’t this the way we often interact with God’s Word. We do the exact opposite of what He would have us do. We will submit so long as we can do so on our terms. We will sacrifice so long as we can set the limits. We will confess so long as that confession comes with no need for repentance. We will love so long as the one we love is loveable and loving. Thanks be to God we do not have a savior who loved/loves in half-measures, nor sacrificed in half-measures.
Prayer: Lord God, you truly are generous beyond measure. I thank you for giving me everything: my life, my daily bread, home and family, but most importantly my savior, forgiveness, and your Word. By faith may I gladly follow where you lead according to your will rather than mine. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.