Owning Up to Your Own Stuff: A Path to Personal Growth
When we reflect on our own life, we come to understand that our own role, personal actions, thoughts, and behaviors were the source of most of life’s problems. There is a turning point when one decides to take full responsibility for their actions.
In (Proverbs 28:13), we are reminded of an essential truth: “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” This verse sheds light on the importance of confession and repentance in the life of a believer. Far more than just acknowledging mistakes, these actions are central to personal growth, humility, and, most importantly, a deeper relationship with God. When we choose to own up to our mistakes, we are not merely correcting behavior, but aligning ourselves with God’s will for transformation and growth.
Seemingly the idea of hiding our mistakes might feel like a natural response. In the world we live in, where perfection and success are often praised, there can be a temptation to cover up our flaws or pretend that everything is fine. However, Proverbs makes it clear that concealing our sins is not the path to success or peace. Instead, it leads to stagnation and distance from God. In hiding our sins, we miss out on the very grace and mercy that HE offers us. We choose isolation and spiritual stagnation with un-confessed sin. The longer we harbor them, the more we allow guilt, shame, and pride to separate us from God’s will.
The good news is that there is another way—a way that leads to healing and spiritual flourishing. Confession is not just about admitting wrongdoing, but it is also an act of surrender. True confession leads to repentance—a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. It is not enough to simply acknowledge our mistakes; we must also renounce them, as Proverbs encourages.
When we embrace confession and repentance, something powerful begins to happen: we start to build character, and take accountability for our own stuff. This leads us to a place of deeper intimacy with God.
Moreover, owning up to our mistakes builds humility. We are reminded that we are not perfect, but we serve a perfect Savior. As we own up to our mistakes and turn toward God, we step into the fullness of HIS grace and mercy.
Previously mentioned Scripture.
Proverbs 28:13
New International Version
13 “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13
King James Version
13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13
Living Bible
13 “A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.”