Chapter 9: The Longing to Confess
Think about, or actually take a moment to draw, the pie chart
of how you spend your time. What does
this reveal about your heart? Is it
divided/compartmentalized?
What do you think of Barnes’ idea that “compartmentalization”
doesn’t work; that we are fooling ourselves if we believe that we can live by compartmentalizing
our lives?
On page 125, Barnes offers the OED’s definition of integrity: “undivided, unbroken, unmixed, structurally
pure; and one who possesses sound moral virtue.” Think of some people you know who you believe are examples
of integrity. What is it about the
example they provide that leads you to respect them?
So, why is living with integrity so hard? Barnes offers three problems:
1) The
judgmental problem. We KNOW we are
sinners! We know we should do what’s
right, and we want to do what is right, but it is so hard!
2) The
devil problem. We are tempted. On page 131, Barnes says, “Satan does not
tempt us to self-destruct because we are weak. Generally speaking, he is not
worried about weak people. Rather,
he tempts us because we are strong and
full of resolve to do the right thing."
3) The
despair problem. “We despair of ever being able to change.”
What is the solution to all of these problems? “The Power of the Savior.” And where do we meet the savior? In worship.
At the bottom of page 135, Barnes says, “The way we experience
this union with Christ in worship is simply through confession.” Do you think that, particularly in contemporary/non-liturgical
worship, we have gotten away from the act of confession? Barnes says, “it is always
as we confess our own inability (to live righteously) that we discover the ability
of Spirit and Truth (in Christ).” What do you think about confession as a way of meeting God?
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