reality check

Fact. We all struggle with sin. I put sin into two different categories. First, visible sin. Second, hidden sin. Something I've wrestled with for quite some time is the fact that we have leaders in our youth group, let alone in our whole church who we're supposed to look up to. In reality, I know that many of these leaders are not following Christ in their day-to-day lives. I'm supposed to trust these people and view them as role models, but how can I do that when some of them are out drinking or going to clubs on weekends? Is that the example I should see and follow? Obviously not.

The previous paragraph gives an example of what I call "visible sin." It's the sins like partying and drinking, gossip and foul language. We can see it, or know about it, and it's visible. Then there's what I call "hidden sin" that I would be so sure as to say all of us struggle with. It's those sins that make us feel guilty and full of shame; things like pornography and masturbating, cutting or making ourselves throw up.

God has really convicted me in the area of judging others. It's something that we naturally do, whether it's out loud or things we think in our head. For the longest time I've judged these leaders that we're supposed to look up to because I know about their sin. However, I am just as guilty. I may not struggle with visible sin, but i'm human; I struggle with hidden sin. What I've made myself remember is that God forgave me and everyone else who has seeked out His forgiveness--that's a lot of forgiving!! As a result, I need to forgive these people in my heart and not hold onto bitterness or anger.

Confrontation. Another nasty word none of us like to hear. But God calls us to confront each other out of love. I don't know about you, but having someone tell me i'm wrong, or that i've messed up, or that I need to change, isn't exactly my favorite thing. Reality is, I have to deal with that. As believers, God calls us to be humble, and to be willing to receive criticism. When we do these things, we become stronger and overall better people. As for "the confronters", confrontation needs to be in love, it's not something to do out of anger or in a mean way. Chances are, the person you're confronting will respond better if it's done in love.

I know these last few paragraphs have been seriously deep, but these things have been so heavy on my heart. I'm nowhere near perfect, nor am I good at confrontation. In fact, I'm almost afraid of it because I fear losing a friend or offending someone. I'm sure you feel the same way, but never let that stop you! I pray that reading this wouldn't upset you or sadden you, but rather encourage you to pursue Christ. Pray about sin in your life, and also the sin in other people's lives. Pray about confrontation and for the people you may need to confront.

Again, I'd love to hear from any readers out there. Let me know what you think! :)