They Might Not Notice!

It's true! I didn't mention race or ethnicity for about 2 years of my preaching ministry for fear that the predominantly white congregation that I minister to might notice that I was black! And the thinking was literally this: If I don't mention it they might not notice. As if that would work. And as crazy as that sounds we do it all the time with the sin in our lives. If I don't say anything they might not notice. As if people, if they took the time to look, could not see the signs and markings of sin in a persons life. I mean I'm not a sin monitoring machine and I certainly don't go around looking intently in order to spot the signs of sin in people's lives. But it isn't all that hard to spot. Inconsistency in speech and action, distance and distraction, an inability to be authentic; its all there if you look for it. But you don't have to even do that because we all fall short and that "all" stacks the deck in favor of everyone having some sort of sin in their lives. So it can't be hidden. And instead of confronting the sin head on we, "just won't speak of it". But scripture counter intuitively says speak of it, say it, confess it, own it. For only then can you eradicate it. Confession is a launching pad for redemption and forgiveness. I've become more authentic in front of people now that I speak of race and heritage and culture. And I think the same can be said of sins, shortcomings, and struggles. Get real with it. Find someone, not a bunch of people, but someone who is a safe place and let that stuff go! If the story stays inside of you it controls you but once released you control it. You have contained it in language. God has something to work with when you are authentic and available. Confession places you on the Potter's wheel.