Living Free - May 28, 2013
Take Responsibility
Today's Scripture
"If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth." - 1 John 1:8 NLT
Thoughts for Today
When God points out sin in our lives, we need to accept responsibility. Blaming others began in the Garden of Eden with the first sin. Adam blamed God and Eve. Eve blamed the serpent. And ever since we've wanted to deny responsibility for sin. "It's their fault." "It's the circumstances." But God wants us to admit our sin.
In today's scripture, the apostle John is addressing the church. He's talking to believers. And he's telling them clearly that they are just fooling themselves if they claim they have no sin.
When Nathan rebuked David for his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, David didn't try to blame others. He didn't say, "It's all her fault. She shouldn't have been bathing where I could see her. No, he said, "I have sinned against the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:13 NIV). He took personal responsibility for his sin and was quick to repent.
Consider this …
Are you willing to say "I did it"? Are you willing to take responsibility for your sin? Suppressing the truth only leads to delusion, and delusion supports on-going sin.
We serve a forgiving and compassionate God. Jesus has already paid the price for our sin. It's up to us to admit what we've done and come to him for forgiveness. John went on to tell the church (verse 9), "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness."
Lord, I can't blame anyone else for my bad attitude, for the things I've done wrong. I know I am fully responsible before you for my wrongdoing. Please forgive me and cleanse me. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …Stepping into Freedom: A Christ-Centered Twelve-Step Program by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This twelve-step program is suggested for use in support groups, recovery groups and home groups. It offers help for anyone struggling with a life-controlling problem like drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addiction, gambling or workaholism. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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