A Candid Conversation

Exodus 13:17-15:18 Matthew 21:23-46 Psalm 26 Proverbs 6:16-19

“There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?” – Matthew 21:28-31 TNIV

”God, I believe You’re real and I believe that You’re God. I just don’t know if I want to follow You right now.” I was walking home after spending the evening at my favorite coffee shop. My head was full of wants and desires. Some of them, one I was focused on at the moment, especially, did not line up with how God asks us to live.

You see, I had been going to church every week, but more because it was expected of me. While I wasn’t necessarily living a bad life, I wasn’t doing what God was asking me to do—keep His commandments in love. I was the second son who was saying ‘yes’, but not following through.

Now, walking home just after midnight, looking up at the stars, I got honest and open with God. It wasn’t what I thought He wanted to hear, but it was on my heart. Being honest with God is a dangerous thing. It can change your life forever. For the first time in my life, I was the first son and told God ‘no’. The result? Within three weeks I was sitting down with a Bible to read it all for the first time in my life. I started doing what God asked me without any promises.

Being honest with God is a dangerous thing. But honestly, can we afford not to? There is nothing I miss about the shame and guilt I suffered when saying ‘yes’ and living ‘no’. God wants more than anything for us to be honest with Him, in our words and in our living. That honesty opens our hearts to the reality of His truth and love.

Father God, we want to be completely honest with You today. But it’s scary to be honest sometimes. We are afraid we will be rejected if we are honest. It’s a dangerous proposition. Come in through the doors honesty opens in our hearts and change our lives forever. Amen.