Word Filled Wednesdays: Open the blinds!!

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his son purifies us from all sin.

I've been participating in an online Bible study in the book of 1 John.  We are into our second week and I am loving it.  I think you could still jump in and get started if you wanted.  Just click on the Good Morning Girls link and it should take you right over to the site.
We are only up to verse 9 of the first chapter, but I am just AMAZED.  John starts out the book giving a first-hand account of what he has seen and heard and felt.  He walked with Jesus on this earth. He was able to see Him in action - he knew Him well and counted Him as a friend.
John tells us that God is light and that in Him there is no darkness at all!  He continues to compel us to walk in that Light and in doing so - not only are we forgiven our sins, but we will be in fellowship with Him and with each other!  He tells us that we can not lie to ourselves and say that we have no sin.  He goes on to say that if we simply confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us!!  It's a beautiful thing.
1 John 1:1-9
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes,which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life,which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Something that really jumps out at me over and over is OWNING our sin.  ADMITTING that we are NOT perfect.  I am reminded as I read these passages that I should live an AUTHENTIC Christian life.  Did I say a PERFECT Christian life?  No.  NO, because there is no such thing.
You know, I think most of us have GOOD INTENTIONS.  We try to "live right".  We go through the motions, we try to look the part, dress the part, talk the part... We try to be kind, be charitable - but if you are trying to measure up or be that "perfect Christian" - you need to quit trying because it's impossible.  God knows that and He doesn't expect it from you at all, but are you walking in the LIGHT?  Does walking in the light make you perfect?  No.  But it does bring to light things that we may try to hide in our lives even from ourselves.
I was thinking about the blinds in my living room and kitchen.  I love a bright, cheery room.  However, there are some days that I don't want to open the blinds because I may have a couple piles of laundry on my couch that need to be folded.  We live in a gated community and our houses are right up against each other like town houses or apartments.  People can walk by and look right in at you! haha.  There's no way I'm going to let them see my house in a wreck!  Another thing I notice when I open the blinds to let the light it or turn on the lamps real bright, is that I need to dust.  I may even have to get the vacuum out and run it again.  I may need to take some cleanser to the counter tops and don't even get me started on the stove!  That light reveals all of my dirty secrets.  I'd rather keep the lights dim for one more day and tackle those jobs another time.
Well, that may be okay when it comes to a little house cleaning, but what about our HEART CLEANING???  Can we live in our "filth" another day?  So it might not be FILTHY right now, but it will be if I let it go for too long.  Are you following me??

Don't you think a good WALK in the LIGHT might be good for you?  I know it does wonders for me.  I don't want to hide my sin.  I don't want to FOOL myself into thinking I'm okay and that I don't need to examine my heart.  It's being accountable to your Creator and trusting that He knows the path we should walk.
I've never heard of a doctor examining someone for sickness in the dark or of anyone looking at a home to buy or any other valuable thing in the dark.  When you examine something important - you need LIGHT.  When I think of things that are done in darkness, it usually brings unpleasant things to mind.  Things that people don't want others to know about.  Things done in secret.
I want to walk in the LIGHT.  Walking in the light is not about how you look, what church you attend, how much Bible you know... Walking in the Light is about knowing that you are a sinner, but that Jesus' blood will cover all of that unrighteousness and He welcomes you to fellowship with Him and walk with Him.  Isn't that amazing?  Our God is a God of GRACE.
Walk in the light my friend.  Live an authentic life - imperfect, but honest.  He is LIGHT.