As I came upon this passage of scripture, I wondered how many of us have relationships with others in the body of Christ where we can feel safe enough to confess our sins.  Too many times church can be a country club of people trying to look their best instead of genuinely pursuing Christ and desiring His best. 

We are generally okay with having friends and even doing stuff together, but when it comes to personal matters and the deepest parts of what we’ve done, we often withdraw and hide those pieces.  As a result no real life change is happening; only surface change can be seen and to most eyes that is enough.  

What if We had relationships where we could talk about the hard stuff including temptations and falls.  What if we were close enough to one another that we could really help each other through the fires we walk through?  What if we could even confess to one another and then pray for one another? I’m convinced we would see genuine change;  the unrestrained power of God unleashed in lives, transforming and conforming them to the image of Christ.  The prayers uttered in this Christ dependent environment could avail so much and change the world!

Reflection

Do you have those kind of relationships?

Are there other believers that you are accountable to and are holding accountable?

Are you praying for them regularly?

If you answered no to those questions, pray that God would bring those people into your life.  Pray that you would be that person for others. 

Prayer

Father, You are our everlasting God above all. You have given us the body of Christ that we may grow and mature.  Teach us to seek out these kinds of relationships.  Bring others in our lives that spur us along on our journey, hold us accountable and pray for us.  Let us likewise be that person for them.  May Your righteousness and glory reign forever in Jesus, Amen!