Is there anything else?

“Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?”

I’ve asked that question many times in my life; as a teacher, a youth pastor, a pastor, and as a parent. It generally comes after a confession of some sort in which the person lets me know about something they’ve done wrong. Quite often (but not always) the confession comes alongside an explanation for their behaviour. “I only acted this way because . . . .” There are all sorts of excuses and reasons that people give, and always with the aim of making themselves look better.

I learned to ask the follow up question because most times people don’t share the whole story. They leave out the bits and pieces that don’t look good on their part. The problem is that when we leave parts out, or pass the blame and responsibility on to others, we aren’t being truthful and the parts that are unconfessed continue to weigh us down. We think we’ve gotten away with something, but it’s still there under the surface, and sooner or later it will trip us up.

This was the problem the Israelites had (there really is nothing new under the sun!!). They “hid” things from God, lied to others and themselves, and thought that everything was working out just fine until it all came undone. They went from having everything they needed and more, to being exiled and having nothing. God gave them many warnings — “But you must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always” (Hosea 12:6) — but they didn’t listen. They continued to do things their way, “hiding” things from God and others, and lying to themselves that everything was fine. It wasn’t a good place to be, and eventually the truth caught up with them.

“Is there anything else you’d like to tell me?” Be honest with God. He already knows everything already, so you’re not going to surprise Him! Turn to Him and He will lift you up. Wait for Him and He will be there with you. Confess your sins and He will forgive you.

Blessings, Pastor Mike