Acknowledgment is an important concept in Christianity. In fact, it’s one of many concepts that helps us to flourish and grow in our spiritual lives. I don’t just mean acknowledging that God exists or that Jesus died for you- I mean acknowledging that you’re just as much of a sinner as the unbeliever.
Let me explain.
All of us, whether we care to admit it or not, are sinners by nature. To deny that is to lie. 1 John 1:10 says, “If we claim we have not sinned, we make [God] out to be a liar and his word is not in us” (NIV).
That said, acknowledging that we have sinned is an important step that we must make daily toward repentance. The acknowledgment of sin also helps us to understand others better as we try to lead them to Christ.
You see, many unbelievers or former believers of Christ have had negative experiences among Christians who act as if they are better than- less of a sinner than- the unbeliever themselves. This leads some to the belief that Christians are not the loving people that God called us to be, but rather hypocrites who believe that we’re better than everyone else! This is certainly not true of many Christians, but there are some of us out there who really do act that way, and it’s time for that to stop.
You and I are no better than the unrepentant sinner, only better off because of the blood of Christ. We are still sinners, the only difference between us and others is the gift of salvation. So, when you talk to unbelievers, talk to them in love, not as a hypocrite!
Jesus didn’t only offer you the gift of salvation- it’s available to all who ask for it! Talk to others in love and walk in humility. That’s how others are led to Christ- by people who demonstrate Christ’s love!
Even in subtle ways, you can lead someone to Christ. For example, letting them know that you’re praying for them if they tell you of a bad situation that they’re in, regardless of whether you know that they’re a Christian or not.
However you do it, do it in love.
Acknowledge that you too are a sinner, that you are no better than the unbeliever in terms of sin, and that Jesus’s gift of salvation is open and available to all people.
To do this, acknowledge, confess, and repent of your sins. Take up your cross and follow Christ daily.
Matthew 16:24-26 (ESV) says,
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 For whoever would save his life[a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
Proverbs 28:13 (NIV) says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Some pointers from this devotional:
Don’t try to hide your sin from God. Acknowledge, confess, repent.
Know that you are not better than the unbeliever, but better off. Without the salvation of Christ, you are just as they are: worldly, unrepentant, unbelieving, and hopeless.
Remember that every unbeliever has a chance at salvation just like you had a chance at salvation. Don’t push people away! Lead them toward the light that is Jesus Christ. As long as there is breath in their body, there is hope for their soul.
Be humble.
God bless!
NBNiar
