Berean Journeymen

Humility, honesty, repentance, forgiveness, trusting God, loving…are these not at the core of our beliefs; should they not be at the core of what we discuss and then strive to live out together? If we answer no, then have we not forsaken our first love? If we answer yes, then are many of us not hypocrites?

If we say yes to humility, but then choose to hold onto our pride as tightly as we do in both large and small ways…are we not hypocrites? Will pride continue to spill into the aisles of our church…or will we change for God’s sake…and our own?

If we say yes to honesty, but then knowingly keep hidden in darkness what Christ urges to be brought out into the light…are we not hypocrites? Will fear of another man’s opinion paralyze our church body more than the judgment of God or the wrath of the Almighty…or will we change for God’s sake…and our own?

If we say yes to repentance, but then continue to hold onto recurring sin, obvious or subtle…are we not hypocrites? Will we…will I, who claim to be born of God, who claim to be living in Him, choose to keep on sinning…or will we change for God’s sake…and our own?

What is it that holds us back…from humility, from honesty, from repentance? Do we lack faith in God’s promises? Do we really care more about what other humans think than God?

If we were to openly bring into the light our hidden sin, what is it we fear…
- Another sinful human may think less of us…so, what then?
- Other sinful humans might start talking about us behind our backs…so, what then?
- Other sinners might not respect us as much anymore, even though that respect is built on a lie…so, what then?
- We would have to deal with some short-term pain, though long-term gain is sure to follow…so, what then?

Are not human impressions utterly trivial compared to the consequences of almighty God? We must not buy into the deceit the enemy is selling!

If we were to openly bring into the light our hidden sin, what is it we gain…
- The weight of guilt holding us down would be removed…Amen!
- Barriers between God and us would begin to crumble…Amen!
- The chains that once bound would eventually be broken…Amen!
- Relationships being damaged due to our hidden lies would begin the process of healing…Amen!
- God would use our experience to help others…Amen!
- The talents and gifts He has given each one of us would be loosed for his use…Amen!
- The woe of hypocrisy would no longer hang over our heads…Amen!
- God would be honored and glorified…Amen & Amen!

Each one of us has sin, certainly that is not the question…the question is, are we dealing with it as God clearly outlines…with humility, honesty and true repentance? God is beckoning us towards sanctification with promises of blessing if we follow…what adequate reason exists not to do so?