Message Magazine’s Online Devotional for Sabbath, May 14, 2016
Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 3:6-13
We are focusing on sin recovery principle number four of 12: “We are submitting to an honest self-inventory as the Holy Spirit makes us more aware.”
Peek-a-boo! I see you. But do you see yourself? This is the question we all must face. Do I see me as God sees me? Submitting to this level of introspection can be jarring, intimidating, disruptive to our confidence levels, and impactful on our relationships. The way we view ourselves certainly influences our behavior.
There comes a time in every person’s life that God stops by. We may or may not understand what’s happening exactly, but it’s still the reality. And when God stops by our proverbial houses, He brings a clear light and perfectly buffed mirror.
What we see in the mirror is an accurate reflection of who we are. It’s the naked, imperfect, and shameful version of us we wish nobody will ever see. Even the best of us spend lots of time propping up our reputations and appearances so other will not see what God has revealed. We front like our marriages are fine and dandy when our husbands are abusing us. We behave like we are in happily wedded bliss when our wives are cheating on us regularly. We act like we are going along with our manager’s recommendations during yearly appraisals, but secretly think they’re idiots. These are not to mention the times we have road rage, say bad words in our minds that we would not even consider uttering aloud. Some of us would much rather watch the next new sensual or graphically violent movie than pray. Most of us would rather overeat Thanksgiving style feasts with far too much fat, sugar, flesh foods, crazy portion sizes, than exercising moderation. Are you getting this? Then there are the unmentionable thoughts some of us have on a regular basis.
The blessing is that when God stops by our houses and starts rummaging our drawers, closets, basements, and garages, completely bypassing the grand staircases, formal living and dining rooms, and entertainment suites, He brings help. The Holy Spirit is on task, ready to bring not only true self-awareness. The Spirit brings extraordinary power for us to surrender to His guidance. He brings extraordinary power to yield our sinful, hopeless selves to be molded and cultivated according to the model Character of Jesus Christ.
So come out of hiding. God is not stopping by to merely throw open all the doors to embarrass anyone. The only way any of us can be cleaned up and refined to golden, glistening perfection is if we first get a real look at who we are in contrast to who God is. Then, and only then will be on pace to live God’s ideal in purity. Submit to the process. Submit to God and your life will never be the same, which is a good thing.
