Confession - The Humility of the Habit

We live in a world that is always trying to sell us on the supposed “perfection” around us. Advertisements tell us that our lives should look a particular way. Social media is a highlight reel displaying typically only the best of what is happening in everyone else’s life. Within all this seemingly utopic world, it can feel like there is no room for imperfection.

This is what makes a habit of confession, well…feel awkward at times. At least getting started it can be. It is uncomfortable to talk about the parts of our lives that are not picture perfect. We veil the brokenness. We hide it from others and ourselves. We put on these masks of performance and perfection that begin to shape our identity.

Titus 3:4-7 ESV But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

James 4:7-10 ESV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

When we confess our sins, we finally get to take off the mask. We get to approach God in authenticity and humility and experience forgiveness. James 4:8 says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Catch the order here. First, we draw near to God. Then, we clean up. So often we think that we must clean up before ever showing up. We think we must get our lives together before trying to be forgiven. We think we need to work for it. But God, in his love and grace, wants you to come just as you are.

Just show up, then let God help clean up.

Invite God into the pains, hurts, habits, and hang-ups. As we create a rhythm and habit of humbly confessing our sins, God gets the opportunity to speak truth and life into our hearts. We take off the mask and get to experience life with God as his sons and daughters.

What is one mask you can take off today to be real with God?