"...let’s call out sin by pointing to the inconsistencies between what we say we believe and what we do."*
That's great. Helpful. Gutsy. Necessary.
But it is so. very. rare. At least in my life.
In the public sphere, I love to read and post provocative things on social media, to teach and preach in such a way that one's values and attitudes are challenged.
But in my private life, and even at my advanced age, I can count on one hand the number of times a friend or colleague has pointed out inconsistencies between what I say and what I do. And what about me? Do I point out these "disconnects" in others?
A recent blog entry introduced the topic of pride. I wonder, is it responsible for this dynamic? The Scripture instructs us to confess our sins to each other. I long to participate in (or create) an atmosphere in which confession of sin is the norm for all, and not the rare event for 'those people'. Could this break through our cultural Christianity and propel us toward a more vibrant and authentic life in Christ? I pray that it will.
James 5.16, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Matthew 7.3-4, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
( Note to Reader: superhuman strength was required to avoid the ubiquitous and obligatory, urban "Oh no he di'ent!?" Your 'thanks' are warmly received. )
*Piper, John. http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/calvinist-racism-and-king-s-alleged-adultery-a-connection
That's great. Helpful. Gutsy. Necessary.
But it is so. very. rare. At least in my life.
In the public sphere, I love to read and post provocative things on social media, to teach and preach in such a way that one's values and attitudes are challenged.
But in my private life, and even at my advanced age, I can count on one hand the number of times a friend or colleague has pointed out inconsistencies between what I say and what I do. And what about me? Do I point out these "disconnects" in others?
A recent blog entry introduced the topic of pride. I wonder, is it responsible for this dynamic? The Scripture instructs us to confess our sins to each other. I long to participate in (or create) an atmosphere in which confession of sin is the norm for all, and not the rare event for 'those people'. Could this break through our cultural Christianity and propel us toward a more vibrant and authentic life in Christ? I pray that it will.
James 5.16, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Matthew 7.3-4, “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
( Note to Reader: superhuman strength was required to avoid the ubiquitous and obligatory, urban "Oh no he di'ent!?" Your 'thanks' are warmly received. )
*Piper, John. http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/calvinist-racism-and-king-s-alleged-adultery-a-connection