When asked how long it had been since he'd visited confession he said quite honestly…
Job 25:1-6
Reference: v.6 "…how much less a mortal, who is but a maggot— a human being, who is only a worm!” (TNIV Bible)
Explore: I was recently in a conversation with a couple of gentleman who started talking about religion. One of the gentlemen told me that when he had married his wife it had been in a full Catholic service but now he doesn't attend church at all. When asked how long it had been since he'd visited confession he said quite honestly, 'Eight years, but I don't need to go, I haven't done anything wrong.' Personally, I have never attended confession. Growing up in a protestant church it's not a part of our faith rituals to go to confession, however I am well aware of my own sinfulness and my need to regularly confess our sins to God. My surprise at this gentleman's statement was not his decision not to go to confession but his reflection that he did not need to confess anything.
Application: Job's friend was very harsh about his perspective of humans, even calling us maggots. Really when we compare ourselves to the holiness of God we should be lucky to be classified as highly as maggots! The amazing grace of God is that He does not see us as that, even though that may be our rightful position in comparison to Him. However, even though God graciously sees us as His children, rather than maggots, it's important for us to acknowledge where we go wrong. Whether it's a horrendous action or an unhelpful thought, it is important for us to declare our wrong doings before God so that they do not separate us from His love.
Prayer: Pray to God confessing your sins.
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.