honest about dishonesty

1 John 1:⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 

⁸ If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.¹⁰ If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

One of the ultimate paradoxes of Christianity is the necessity of the dishonest to be honest about their dishonesty.  It is not comfortable facing our faults, especially when we don't seem capable of eliminating, preventing, or avoiding them.  We need to have a relationship with one who is purer and stronger and yet still understanding and loving.  We need to know one who can accept us, despite our proclivity for mendacity (our tendency to be untruthful).  We need to know one who, not only will accept us, but is committed to our maturity despite our flaws.  We need to know one who is truly honorable and right...whose presence in our lives makes all the difference.  Jesus came to provide a way for us to find this One, who understands our weaknesses and yet is committed to our greatest fulfillment.  Jesus came to reunite us with our Father, who loves us just as we have unconditionally loved our children (through all the stumbles of their childhood).  But there is a hurdle...we must be willing to be honest about our dishonesty.  Honestly!

 

blessings,

Rob Smith