“Without the cross, the discipline of confession would be only psychologically therapeutic. But it is so much more. It involves an objective change in our relationship with God and a subjective change in us. It is a means of healing and transforming the inner spirit.”- Richard Foster, The Celebration of Discipline
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
As John Ortberg moves on in Chapter 4 of Everybody’s Normal . . ., he talks about the first two stages of openness or disclosure.
1. Guarded Communication. First, Pastor Ortberg believes that it’s neither wise nor biblical to (a) let it all hang out or (b) always express your thoughts and feelings. Because times occur when we need to be deliberately selective about what we choose to reveal.
Certainly, you will run across people with whom you must always remain quite guarded. As Proverbs 20:19 (NIV) cautions: “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.”
2. Everyday Authenticity. In Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth, he talks about living in community with unveiled faces. Consequently, John states, since we possess the awareness of God’s love no matter what, we can live without pretense. With unveiled faces.
Therefore, John asks, what veil do you hide behind to keep from being known? And, as Pastor Ortberg observes, this hiding happens in church settings:
“Ironically, many people in the church veil themselves in spirituality. They quote Bible verses or speak of ‘having deep peace’ or speak of ‘God being in control.’ They may say things that sound impossible to argue with, but their words are moats of protection, not bridges of relationship. It may be a stained-glass veil, but it’s a veil just the same. . . . If you wear a veil around your heart . . . you will become a little less radiant, a little less alive every day.”
Today’s question: How do you practice the discipline of confession? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: the November Short Meditation, “His light goes before us”