In my quiet time this morning, I decided to begin reading 1 John. Most of us are probably familiar with 1 John 1:9.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Powerful words. But that isn’t what hit me this morning.
I couldn’t get past verse 6.
“If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”
I read that verse over and over. I took it apart.
“If we say we have fellowship with him…” – I have been a Christian for 29 years this July. I know what to say. I can talk the talk.
“…while we walk in darkness,…” – Darkness = sin. Walking in darkness implies a period of time in known, unrepented sin.
“…we lie…” – Lying strikes at the heart of God. He knows the truth of our very thoughts and intentions. Our pride prompts us to put on a “church face” at times.
“…and do not practice the truth.” – Any time scripture repeats itself (or seemingly repeats itself), we should take notice. But this phrase seems to do more than reiterate the prior statement. It seems to speak to a propensity toward dishonest living.
Sadly, we all go through seasons of being at an arms length from our God. Sometimes we do this intentionally, via rebellion. But sometimes we do it by lack of attention. We slide, slowly at first.
I won’t skim past this verse again. A powerful reminder to be vigilant, prayed up, on guard, and honest before our God and others.
Not a Camouflaged Soul 