1 JOHN 1: 5-10
If we say we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our lives. (V.10)
“You will feel better and can get a fresh start if you come clean about your involvement.” This is an interrogation line I often used with those I arrested for various cries throughout my police career. Many of my arrestees were well aware of the Miranda Decision and chose to “lawyer-up” rather than answer my questions or provide a “soul cleansing’ confession. However, a few chose to talk to reinforce overinflated egos; to “clear the air” with respect to their involvement, which was always less than alleged; to deflect the blame onto to others to reduce their legal culpability; and for a precious few, to freely confess out of shame and remorse for their wrongful actions.
Police officers work hard to obtain solid legally sound confessions. However, the sad fact is they are rarely able to stand upon their own merits in today’s courtrooms. Confessions are subject to intense legal scrutiny before being formally entered into evidence. Issues surrounding self-incriminating statements center upon the defendant’s willing and knowing waiver of their right to counsel; the length of the interrogation; the physical and emotional condition of the defendant during the interrogation process; the attention given to reasonable requests for water, food and bathroom breaks; and the physical condition of the interrogation room. Experience taught that even though a defendant “came clean,” it was imperative to have other direct witness statements and physical evidence to insure a conviction.
Now let’s think about our need to “come clean” with God. God does not have some dark chamber filled with instruments of torture designed to elicit confessions; he does not employ psychological interrogation techniques; he does not use the “god and bad angel” routine; and he does not require you to seek the advice of an attorney to make sure your side of the story is considered before judgement is rendered. The simple fact is He is your Creator and knows everything you have done! Your Christian obligation is to acknowledge your self-convicting conduct while expressing and demonstrating true repentance for it. His Son accepted your guilt and took it to the Cross! Thank you, Jesus!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
Humble and contrite confession is one the essential primary disciplines of our Christian faith. Living in God’s light and fellowship with Christ mandates some “knee time,” in the location of our choosing, to “come clean” with our Maker through His Son.
Dear Lord, have mercy on us as we have sinned against you through thought, word and deed. Shine your light upon us as we unburden our sinful souls in your Holy Presence.