New Year's Confessions

1 John 1:8-9 (MSG) If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense.  On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. 

I have heard these words spoken in worship services for years. I could speak them from memory because I said them myself, weekly.  As often happens, words and actions that are repeated on a regular basis become background noise, and the meaning never sinks into our hearts and minds.

When a new year begins and excitement stirs us to look at tomorrow as a perfect opportunity for one great big do-over, we dream up resolutions to make us perfect.  We pledge to do better, be nicer, get healthier and ____ (insert your favorite).  After reading the first chapter of 1 John I am reminded that I am sinful, I can't be made right(eous) without Jesus.

I am further reminded that I don't have to wait for a new year to roll around to take action that will lead to a better life. I can 'resolve' all I want, but if I don't turn to Jesus for help to change my life and my heart, I will be making the same promises to myself next year. It would seem that making New Year's resolutions are like confessing our sins, asking forgiveness and making every effort to turn things around.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. (1 John 1:8-9 NIV)


1 John 1:1-10

1 John 1:1-10

Fellowship is important to Christians.  After spending a week in the workplace, the classroom, or the neighborhood, it is necessary to come together as the Body of Christ.  There is nothing quite like spending time with your Spiritual Family.  They can rejuvenate, refresh, and recharge our spiritual batteries.

I built a number of strong relationships at my Ohio church and I learned to love so many of the folks Dave and I worshiped with weekly.  I never missed church on Sunday unless I was sick or out of town.  Monday was guaranteed to be a good day because I was able to spend time with people who believe as I do.  In fact, leaving that fellowship when I moved to WI was very difficult, just like loosing family.

That is the way it should be.  We have been created by God to be in community with one another.  We need each other and it is only right that we grieve when we leave that setting.  By the same token, it takes a long time to get that same feeling when joining another/a new Community of Believers.

"We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete." (1 John 1:3-4)

Getting involved in a Fellowship of  Believers is encouraged in scripture, it is written about and also sung about in our praise music.  If you aren't totally immersed in your church family, what's holding you back?  You don't know what you are missing.  It will be your joy complete...

Read 1 John 1:1-10 here

Listen to 1 John 1:1-10 here