Mount Clinton Mennonite Church

"Thought for the Week"
(Aug. 10, 2003)

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First Steps toward Joy

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.--I John 1: 8,9 (NIV)
Context: I John 1: 5-10 (NIV)

Trying to discover joy by admitting I have sinned seems like the wrong way to begin. But is it?

Too often I find myself busily trying to find meaning and happiness by filling my life with activity. For a time this appears to work. I think that I am the best thing that has every happened to this world. Well, I don't really see myself as that important, but I do seem to consider busyness as a very important virtue. But keeping busy does not really bring happiness in and of itself.

What happens, for example, when I pause in the midst of my busyness long enough to consider my life and its significance? I then readily discover that, even while working hard, I have failed myself, my wife, my family, my friends...and my God. I have sinned!

When I admit this to myself and then to God, I find that God does not condemn me any longer but, instead, offers forgiveness and purification.

Purification is a strange word to Western minds, but when God purifies our lives (releasing us from our sin, in his sight), then we truly discover the source of happiness and real joy. We want to be God's children--people following God's direction and living in God's peace and under God's love and protection.

We may still be very busy and will find that we still sin, but we are no longer driven by the desire to place ourselves at the top of the world. We now can live and act for God's glory. That brings true freedom and true significance.

Prayer: God, I have sinned. Forgive me, please. I do want to be your child, doing your will. In Jesus name, Amen!

Richard Bowman

Pastor: Lee Martin (email: mcmchurch@juno.com )
Editor: Richard Bowman (email: rbowman@bridgewater.edu )
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Maintained by Richard L. Bowman (email: rbowman@bridgewater.edu. Last modified: 15-Aug-03.