Confession is Social Justice

Did you know, that pornography is not a victimless offense? I was surprised, too. It's easy to think that what a person does in the privacy of their own home is their own business. It's convenient to believe that no one else is hurt by what is done in secret, that the only person reaping the consequence of my sin is me.

Sadly, that's not the case.

Fact is, thousands of persons are trafficked and coerced to make pornographic films. Fact is, the women involved want to escape, but are trapped. Fact is, the industry is invariably connected to child abuse.
I could go on, but the fact is, pornography has thousands and thousands of victims, and those who indulge are consequently participating in the second largest illegal industry in the world: the trafficking and abuse of persons, most often children. We think of Human Trafficking as a social injustice, and social injustices are perceived as happenings "out there," apart from us, removed and abstract. But pornography is a social injustice that happens in our homes, churches, and schools.

When I heard these stats, I wondered, what sins do I commit that are a social injustice? What about when I fail to show compassion to the poor? When I allow favoritism, homophobic, or racist thoughts to remain unchecked in my conversations? Do I criticize someone who chooses abortion but don't help her find options? Do I reinforce slavery when I fail to put forth the effort to shop ethically? Do I steal someone's right to the truth when I decide to lie, to make myself look better? Does my self-centeredness keep me from looking at another person as God's precious possession? Yes. My personal, private sin has effects outside of myself. MY HEART IS A SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUE. Every 20-something wants to make a difference for a social justice cause. Passion and for justice issues seems to be a mark of our generation. But how can I ever fight such a big issue, when I realize that the problem is in my own heart?

Friends, there is a solution. One thing sin cannot stand; one thing that whisks its power away more than any quoted bible verse or hymn. This is the act of confession. Confession is like casting sunlight on a pocket of mold, illuminating and sanitizing what was allowed to grow in darkness. Confession removes our excuses and justifications, our pretense that we're all doing better than we actually are. Confession provides opportunity for prayer and accountability. But there's more....

There's something called the "Surrender Tactic." The idea is to turn weakness into power by, when a fight is unwinnable, confusing your enemy by giving in. A victory has to be won, so handing yourself over without a fight consequently (and ironically) takes away your opponent's victory. No one can take something that you give them. No one can claim power over you when you choose to give yourself up. So what happens we we take our deepest, most shameful, most powerful secret and reveal it in the light of safe community? Sin looses its power to shame. You don't have to fear being found out when you choose to share your weakness. You want to feel invincible? Share your brokenness. No one can threaten you with secrets you willingly give away.

Secondly, confession leads to worship. Confession is the humility to acknowledge your true state before God, thereby putting Him back on His rightful throne. When we worship, our vision is corrected, our mindset adjusted to what things should be. And as the book of Revelation reveals, Worship is Kingdom Warfare. Satan's lies and tactics are defeated, our hearts are submitted, and I am convinced heavenly agents are released when we worship. But worship begins when we kneel in confession.

Do you see? The solution is so simple and so impossibly difficult at the same time. Sin is injustice; confession conquers sin; therefore Confession conquers Injustice! But to truly develop this as a lifestyle takes discernment, courage, and humility beyond human capacity. We need God's help, help from the One who set the example of weakness being made strong. Philippians 2 speaks of Christ's humiliation as the means of his glorification. Is it not the same with us? And isn't it true that all He really asks of us is to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.