February was a crazy busy month—just note the dearth of new blog posts from both of us! We were simply happy to make it from one day to the next. Yet, in the midst of the craziness, I was reminded that when we ask the Spirit to renovate our lives the Spirit acts. Our February message series at church was called “Some Like it Hot,” which focused on the Holy Spirit. The Spirit has been busy illuminating my casual attitude toward confession!
My tendency with confession has been pretty surface level. I confess I am critical…and judgmental…and too often forget the “in love” phrase that comes after the “speak the truth” part in Ephesians 4:15. Nothing too big and serious, I thought. However, the Holy Spirit thought differently and spent the month hitting me with a series of suggestions for confession renovations.
Renovation #1
It started with our Sunday morning group’s study--If by Mark Batterson. Early on Batterson mentioned that Martin Luther often spent six hours confessing—that Luther carefully searched, probed and ransacked his motivations over those six hours. It’s rare that I spend six seconds a day on confession. Batterson also talked about generic and nuanced confessions, noting that generic confessions tend to give us a generic sense of forgiveness. More nuanced (read detailed) confessions lead to more nuanced feelings of forgiveness. Nuanced confessions also help me to see how my sins have affected others.
Renovation 1: spend more time on and be more nuanced in my confessions.
Renovation #2
On March 1, right after an Ash Wednesday experience featuring plenty of time for confession, we started a new study in our women’s group--Hello, Beauty Full by Elisa Morgan. In the first video, “Hiss,” Morgan talked about a making a list of the ugly things she’s done—then tearing it up. Literally making a list and tearing it up. For me, just the thought of having to write down the ugly things I think or say might keep me from doing (or thinking) some of them, so I now have a little notebook in my purse.
Renovation #2 keep a daily list (at least during Lent), review it daily, and then tear it up at the end of Lent.
Renovation #3
Our small group started The Workbook on Spiritual Disciplines by Maxie Dunnam a few weeks ago—we figured it would go well with Lent. Week 3? Confession! As usual, Dr. Dunnam gives many deep and insightful explanations—I underline a lot! I had been feeling pretty much “whacked upside the head” about confession at this point so Dunnam’s “positives” renewed my spirit. He writes, “…confession means healing, for healing is not in being perfect but in being forgiven….’” (p. 71) and “…the dynamics of self-examination and confession are at the heart of an open, growing relationship with God” (p. 74).
I am not confessing to be punished, but to be forgiven and healed. I am not confessing because it’s an important spiritual discipline—something I should do—but to develop a deeper relationship with God. We were encouraged to look at ourselves honestly before God—and confess not only our sins but also our giftedness.
Renovation #3: stop looking at confession as totally sin-focused or in expectation of (a well-deserved) punishment
Instead of “giving up” something this year during Lent, I am adding a renovated attitude and practice of confession. I’ll let you know how it goes!
My tendency with confession has been pretty surface level. I confess I am critical…and judgmental…and too often forget the “in love” phrase that comes after the “speak the truth” part in Ephesians 4:15. Nothing too big and serious, I thought. However, the Holy Spirit thought differently and spent the month hitting me with a series of suggestions for confession renovations.
Renovation #1
It started with our Sunday morning group’s study--If by Mark Batterson. Early on Batterson mentioned that Martin Luther often spent six hours confessing—that Luther carefully searched, probed and ransacked his motivations over those six hours. It’s rare that I spend six seconds a day on confession. Batterson also talked about generic and nuanced confessions, noting that generic confessions tend to give us a generic sense of forgiveness. More nuanced (read detailed) confessions lead to more nuanced feelings of forgiveness. Nuanced confessions also help me to see how my sins have affected others.
Renovation 1: spend more time on and be more nuanced in my confessions.
Renovation #2
On March 1, right after an Ash Wednesday experience featuring plenty of time for confession, we started a new study in our women’s group--Hello, Beauty Full by Elisa Morgan. In the first video, “Hiss,” Morgan talked about a making a list of the ugly things she’s done—then tearing it up. Literally making a list and tearing it up. For me, just the thought of having to write down the ugly things I think or say might keep me from doing (or thinking) some of them, so I now have a little notebook in my purse.
Renovation #2 keep a daily list (at least during Lent), review it daily, and then tear it up at the end of Lent.
Renovation #3
Our small group started The Workbook on Spiritual Disciplines by Maxie Dunnam a few weeks ago—we figured it would go well with Lent. Week 3? Confession! As usual, Dr. Dunnam gives many deep and insightful explanations—I underline a lot! I had been feeling pretty much “whacked upside the head” about confession at this point so Dunnam’s “positives” renewed my spirit. He writes, “…confession means healing, for healing is not in being perfect but in being forgiven….’” (p. 71) and “…the dynamics of self-examination and confession are at the heart of an open, growing relationship with God” (p. 74).
I am not confessing to be punished, but to be forgiven and healed. I am not confessing because it’s an important spiritual discipline—something I should do—but to develop a deeper relationship with God. We were encouraged to look at ourselves honestly before God—and confess not only our sins but also our giftedness.
Renovation #3: stop looking at confession as totally sin-focused or in expectation of (a well-deserved) punishment
Instead of “giving up” something this year during Lent, I am adding a renovated attitude and practice of confession. I’ll let you know how it goes!
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