Wednesday, November 22, 2006
On Introspection - Or Should I Say Confession?
Roger at A-Team blog riffs on an observation Dennis Prager made on his radio show, and applies it to his own life.
I must confess to being completely mystified by the lack of willingness to discuss confession amongst most Christians these days. Confession is not some sort of self-flaggelation, it's not some sort of utter denial of self- it's just taking an honest look at yourself and recognizing that you fall short of the mark, and genuinely wanting to get better. That's all.
There's nothing new under the sun really. Turns out Christ and the apostles may have had most of modern life figured out centuries ago. Amazing, isn't it?
Related Tags: introspection, self-examination, confession
Today on his radio show, Dennis Prager analyzed the general Republican reaction to Tuesday's election. He noted that in recent elections, upon defeat, Democrats have often claimed voting irregularities, intimidation, and challenged the results with lawsuits. This time around, the Republicans are generally responding to defeat with critical self-reflection; asking themselves, "What did we do wrong"? One point he made especially stuck with me: "I was raised to believe that the greatest battle in my life is with Dennis Prager and liberal kids are raised to believe that the biggest battle in their life is with society- racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, classism, and you name the rest."Roger goes on to point out how introspection and community help each of us to become better people. Roger is right on about this, and like most insights of great wisdom, it's as old as the hills.
While I think he's making a good political point, I'd like to discuss it applied it to a broader context. Our ability to grow into mature individuals depends upon our acceptance of personal responsibility and our willingness to make the necessary personal changes.
Prov 15:32 - He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.Think for a minute about what confession really is - it is self-examination with verbal report of the results - that's all, just taking a good look at yourself, figuring our where you need to improve, and letting God, maybe even another person know about it.
Prov 23:7 - For as he thinks within himself, so he is. He says to you, "Eat and drink!" But his heart is not with you.
James 5:16 - Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
I Jn 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
I must confess to being completely mystified by the lack of willingness to discuss confession amongst most Christians these days. Confession is not some sort of self-flaggelation, it's not some sort of utter denial of self- it's just taking an honest look at yourself and recognizing that you fall short of the mark, and genuinely wanting to get better. That's all.
There's nothing new under the sun really. Turns out Christ and the apostles may have had most of modern life figured out centuries ago. Amazing, isn't it?
Related Tags: introspection, self-examination, confession
