Naked and Exposed

Ever ask someone a question and they answer, “Been there; done that; got the t-shirt.”?  What they’re trying to communicate is that they have experienced the topic under discussion, to the point of boredom or complacency.  Some may have that attitude about recovery in general and, in particular, taking an honest moral inventory that exposes one’s character flaws!   Others who have never experienced this part of the path of recovery may have a sense of fear or anxiety about the whole process. 

Let’s look at Hebrews 4.12-16 to find motivation to prayerfully and honestly go through the process of taking an introspective look at ourselves. 

v.12… The word of God is not simply a collection of pithy sayings or good ideas.  It is alive; it is life-changing and dynamic as it works within us.  Like a surgeon’s scalpel, it cuts to the core of our being revealing who we are and what we are not.  It discerns within us both good and evil. 

We can’t simply hear and read the word; we must turn information into action.  The demands of God require decisions! 

v.13… The ultimate information highway!  God knows everything about everyone everywhere!  Even when we are unaware of His presence or somehow believe that “God won’t know,” all we think and do is “exposed before His eyes.”      

It is very reassuring to me to know that despite knowing everything about me – my flaws; my character defects; my propensity to repeat the same sin again and again, God loves me anyway!  Amazing love; amazing grace! 

The last part of this verse states that He is the one to whom we are accountable.  Another translation puts it this way; nothing can be hidden from Him to whom we must explain all that we have done.  Like a two-edged sword, that fact can either grip us in fear or be a great encouragement.  Think about it just for a minute.  The very fact that He already knows everything about us and still requires us to give an account must mean that there is some value for us in the experience.  Since He already knows every detail, every thought, every deed and hasn’t rejected us, we don’t have to fear His rejection! 

The reason we are to go through the hard work of self-examination is NOT to provide God with information; it is for us to be transformed by the power of the word of God working within us. 

v. 14-16.  So, rid yourself of complacency even if you’ve completed 100 character inventories.  Turn your “been there; done that; got the t-shirt” attitude into an opportunity for transformation; to learn to live life differently.  

And rid yourself of fear.  Jesus knows your weaknesses; understands the temptations you face.  And when you need it most, He will cover you with grace and mercy. 

The way we come boldly to the throne of grace is through prayer.  Richard Rohr, in his book Breathing Under Water, writes that when we pray we are to exchange “one thinking cap for another.”  He states that we must also exchange our “calculating mind” for a “contemplative mind.”  The calculating mind focuses on private hurts, needs, anger, and memories.  The prayers of a “calculating mind” are more about convincing God to help with already determined solutions to one’s needs, hurts, anger, and memories.  A “calculating mind” views everything not as they are but as they are!  (Ok.  Read that last sentence again.) 

The “contemplative mind” prays from a whole different perspective.   It abides in the Great I Am and draws its life from Christ.  As the apostle Paul writes, “My old self has been crucified with Christ.  It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.  So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Gal.2.20)

The “contemplative mind” in prayer sees self and others through Christ’s eyes.  The “contemplative mind” moves beyond blaming, accusing, and denying.  It sees the “log in its own eye.”  (cf. Matthew 7.1-5)

Prayer is not about changing God, but about being willing to let God change us!  And it’s in the pain of change that we need and receive His mercy and grace! 

Let me say it again, the purpose of an honest look at our character flaws is NOT to determine how bad or good we are or to gain some moral high ground.  The purpose is to allow God to transform us by changing the way we think – about ourselves and others.

One issue we all have in common is the possibility of relapse.  We’re warned in 1 Cor. 10 that when we think we’re standing strong, watch out!  Be careful!  We need to understand that we’re never really safe or removed from the temptation to use again. 

Who can honestly say they’ve never thought about using again?  Who hasn’t flirted with the desire?  Who among us falls into a pit without walking near the edge? 

A young boy was constantly falling out of bed.  Short of installing side rails on this bed, his parents had done everything they could think of to keep the young boy in bed.  One day the boy’s uncle asked him why he rolled out of bed all the time to which he replied, “I don’t know.  I guess I just stay to close to where I get in.” 

Relapse doesn’t appear from nowhere to grab us by the throat.  There are warning signs – staying to close to the edge, complacency – “been there, done that, got the t-shirt” – and compromise.  In order to “create some side rails,” we need to ask God to help us keep a close eye on our motives, desires, and thoughts.  We need to work the workbook and meditate on Hebrews 4.12, For the word of God is alive and powerful.  … It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.