When we come to new life in Christ we will seek after truth in all our affairs. Our desire is to know what is real and good and identify what is harmful so it will no longer have power to negatively impact us. We become aware that only God can show us the way to a new life. We need to confront denial and invite God to show us where our thinking and perceiving have become twisted and where our ways and God’s ways are different. God’s power and wisdom will help us make those changes where necessary.
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Psalm 139:23-24 NIV, Matthew 11:28 NLT))
While in recovery we are taught to accept responsibility for our actions. We come to realize that our actions yield consequences. Some of us may have deceived ourselves into thinking we could escape the consequences of the things we did. But, with time, we became aware that God has made accountability a necessary element of healthy human living.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (Galatians 6:7-8 NIV)
The good news is that God will show us the way forward. He will also help us make amends with those we have harmed. God wants us to live in self-worth before Him and others. We may fear the humiliation and pain of naming the truth but with God’s forgiveness there is great joy and deep peace in finally acknowledging truth, even when it reveals our shameful and broken past. Truth leads to freedom. Deceit and denial lead to bondage and death.
Prayer: Gracious God, Help us today to fearlessly commit to truth in all our affairs. We want to live in the freedom that comes from living life your way. Amen.
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