“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

The Incidental Tourist

 I was driving through a small town in Oregon, near Portland. This place has an odd layout, all one-way streets and five-way intersections. I had driven through the night to get there, so it was early morning as I followed my GPS’s directions. All I wanted was to find my hotel. I was stopped at a huge intersection but was confident in where I was going. The light turned green, and off I went. Halfway through the intersection, I realized I was in a left turn only lane. I started to brake but realized it was too late to stop. After making sure it was safe, I continued, cringing at my gaffe.

Moments later, I saw the pretty flashing red and blue lights. I pulled over and awaited my fate. The officer told me the infraction. I explained what happened, but admitted to my error. My GPS had to put in its two cents too: “RECALCULATING!” “A BETTER ROUTE IS AVAILABLE!” I didn’t try to get out of getting a ticket. Though it was an accident, I’d made a big mistake. I was ready to accept my punishment.

After checking my paperwork, the officer took my license back to his patrol car. A few minutes later, he came back and asked how I would feel about just a warning. Needless to say, I was okay with that! It was obvious that I wasn’t from there, and thanks to the squawking of my GPS, he knew where I was going and told me how much further my hotel was. He gave me a little safety talk, and after thanking him, I was on my way.

Recounting the story to a friend, he commented that females always manage to sweet-talk their way of tickets. That irritated me—not only was that insulting to me, but to law enforcement. I think the reasons I didn’t get ticketed are that it was clearly accidental, but more importantly, I owned up to it.

This incident got me thinking about how we approach God with our sins. More often than not I think we like to justify our actions. “I did this because…” Or when we do ‘fess up, it’s likely (in my case, anyway) full of self-condemnation. Might I suggest there’s a third option? “Lord, I made a mistake. I was wrong, and I’ll do my best not to repeat it. Please forgive me.” 

By no means am I saying for us to make light of our sins—but I think it’s okay to ask for forgiveness more simply. It doesn’t all have to be weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. 

1 John 1:9 lays it out so clearly: simply confess. 

Jesus, thank You for taking on my sins, that through my confession I may be forgiven and cleansed of unrighteousness. In Your holy name, amen.