You live in a world surrounded by people that want more and more for themselves. Those around you are concerned about what interests them and what profits them. To say that you live in a dog eat dog society typically describes life right now. This emphasis on self permeates the society in which we live.
This mindset even creeps into the Christian life. You look good to yourself. You do not see the cracks in your armor. You do, however, see the short-comings of those around you. Thomas Carlyle says it best as he says, “Confess your own sins, not your neighbors. The greatest fault is to be conscious of none but other peoples.” It is a tragedy, when the only sins you mention in prayer are those of others and not those of yourself.
Scripture discusses the forgiveness of sins. You see this in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The confession of sins results in God forgiving those sins and totally cleansing us of all unrighteousness from those sins. That all happen at the moment of confession. Look closely to see upon what basis of confession this must occur. “If we confess our sins.” The forgiveness is based on your confessing your sins. It is then, and only then, that the results of forgiveness and cleansing occur in your life.
Make it a habit to confess your sins. It is the sins that are for me and mine, not those of others, that you need to confess. Know that self-examination is needed. To the degree that your sins are forgiven, you are a mighty vessel for God to use in His kingdom work. Like it has been said, “Confession is good for the soul” – your confession that is!
