Washington Republican Senatorial candidate Mike McGavick released in the news this week a list of past "sins" including a 1993 DUI. In the somewhat unusual campaign move McGavick said he didn't really know if Maria Cantwell, the Democratic incumbent, was planning to use these matters against him during the campaign but he thought he should be the one to bring them up and talk about them rather than his opponent.
Campaign strategists were quoted as saying, this "looks like a good move." We'll see if it is a good move or not.
My point of reflection today is, "Why would anyone confess to past sins?"
There are very powerful reasons that have nothing to do with whether it is a good political move. The Bible tells us that when we confess our sins to God, "He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from our iniquity." There's a lot to be said about forgiveness and cleansing.
I've made a lot of mistakes. I've received a lot of forgiveness. I live daily in the freedom that comes with forgiveness. I don't have to be afraid of who might find out what about me. I don't have to waste a lot of time and energy with "image maintenance". Because of God's forgiveness I've been able to be open and real with trusted friends with whom I've shared similar confessions. I live a life of being "known". I highly recommend it.
Those in AA and other recovery circles have a saying that is right on the mark: "You're as sick as your secrets." Maintaining an image and hiding things from God and others keeps you in bondage, in hiding and in distress.
Jesus said, "If you're weary, come to Me and I will give you rest."
2 comments:
What about new people that come in to your life? Isn't it important to be open about your life and mistakes (especially in this case)?
Isn't that what he's doing? Isn't he really saying: "Hi.. I want to be your representative and in the interest of fairness, let me tell you I've made some mistakes that may be hard for you to hear." God already knows, but the voter's don't.
I'm still not voting for Mr. McGavick, but I respect a man that can freely admit what he's done wrong.
As far as healing goes, he's got to leave that to God.
Dear Anonymous:
I really wasn't making comment about whether McGavick was being sincere or not. I choose to give him the benefit of doubt and say he was sincere. My point was that you don't do confession because of how it will play with public opinion polls.
Confession is something I do to receive forgiveness and to be authentic.
As for his healing, I pray that God would be at work in McGavick's life in healing and redemptive ways.
Thanks for the comments.
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