Stop Pretending

What if the biggest obstacle to worship isn't distraction, but pretending?

From the very beginning, sin has caused us to hide. After Adam and Eve disobeyed God, their first response wasn't anger or rebellion, it was covering themselves and hiding in shame. Yet when God asked, "Where are you?" He wasn't looking for their location. He was inviting them into honesty.

Confession isn't about convincing God to love us. It's about stepping out from behind the masks we've been wearing. When we confess, we're admitting we can't save ourselves and declaring that God alone is merciful, righteous, and able to heal. That's why confession is an act of worship.

At the cross, Jesus carried our shame so we could stop hiding. He was exposed so we could be fully known and fully loved.

This week, don't settle for performing your faith. Instead, ask God one honest question: "Where have I been hiding?" Then bring that place into His light through prayer, and if needed, by sharing it with a trusted believer as well. 

You may discover that the place you've been most afraid to reveal is the very place where God's grace has been waiting for you.