Getting It Into The Light

I have had an intense time with God over the past few days. Part of this has been from going back over Dave Busby’s “Depravity” teaching. Part of it has been from reading James MacDonald’s book, Downpour (HIGHLY recommended reading, by the way). Also, I recently came across Proverbs 4:18-19. It talks about the way godly people continue to expose their lives to the light in contrast to the way ungodly people avoid the light.

Jesus tells us in John 3:19-21 that people prefer the darkness to light.

“This is the crisis we’re in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is.” (The Message)

You have learned from experience that not only should you confess our sins to God (1John 1:9) for forgiveness, but you need to confess our sins to each other (James 5.16) for healing – to be set free from the bondage of those sins. To be free, we have to bring our stuff out in the light.

One of the enemy’s most-used schemes is to isolate us from each other. If you pull a log out of a fire, it will likely go out, or at least slow its burning. But if you keep a log in the fire, the heat from other logs will cause it to burn faster. The same is true in our walk with God. If you don’t regularly meet with a few other men in a safe environment, make it a priority to do so! Getting together with a couple of other guys will provide accountability. That accountability will give you encouragement and opportunity to keep your stuff in the light. Maybe one of your brothers can provide some insight or give you some strategies for dealing with a particular sin that has held you.

But be careful. Not all places are “safe” places. And don’t “get naked” in front of everybody – and don’t “get naked” in front of just anybody. When a brother lays his stuff out in front of you, remember … no stones – he needs your encouragement, grace, and mercy; not your judgment.

Remember to bring your stuff in the light – and keep it there.

And live free!

Walking in freedom, grace, and peace,

Craig Beaman
craig@psalm34-8.com

© Copyright 2007 RC Beaman