I would like to talk with you about my mistakes…

I want to be transparent and vulnerable with you…
As a young pastor, I often made the mistake of focusing more on external appearances and neglecting what was inside—the state of my heart. Often, I couldn’t pray. And if I read the Bible, it was only because I was preparing for a sermon.

To compensate for severe stress and the growing emptiness I felt inside, I turned my thoughts toward the opposite sex. God saved me from a huge moral fall, but more than once, I committed adultery in my mind. Even though I had completed a lengthy pastoral training, no one had ever taught me how to be accountable to someone in a deliberate way. I had no one in whom I could confide.

All Christians risk falling into the same trap of saving appearances without solving the real problems on the inside. Never again would I live having only the appearance of a Christian life.

There is nothing wrong with being genuine, authentic, transparent, and vulnerable. Quite the opposite!

I am reassured by the fact that King David, who grievously fell by committing adultery and murder, is called a “man after God’s own heart.” Like him, you can pray, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (The Bible, Psalm 51:10)

Is a man after God’s own heart a perfect man? No. It’s a sincere man! What would happen if we allowed ourselves to become vulnerable? The grace of God would have so much more room to act!

Think back…when was the last time you confessed your sins to someone? According to the Word of God, this is the open door to divine healing! (see James 5:14-16) Who might you be able to turn to today and find a listening ear?