I’m done with exhortations prompted by medical analogies. But in addition to providing illustrations related to the soul, the theme also provides a reminder of our connection to the body. Here we are worshipping God in bodies that have problems and pains, with various diseases and distractions, worries and weariness. God is not surprised or bummed out that we can’t get out of these bodily limitations. He gave us bodies, and His mercies enable us to present our bodies as living sacrifices of worship (Romans 12:1).
Our corporate time to confess our sins is serious. It is also spiritual, in that our fellowship with God is in the Spirit and with our spirit, and sin separates us from that fellowship. But our fellowship with God by faith is still in the flesh. We fellowship with God on the ground, not in Platonic categories in the clouds.
For a couple months it’s been kind of cute for me that during the time of kneeling my only outside grandson sees me and starts aggressively baby-talking at me. He’s aware enough to recognize me, it’s mostly quiet in the room, and though he’s not old enough to use words he’s old enough to want my attention.
So is that a distraction from the liturgy of confessing my sins? Is that a distraction from my job of leading our worship in confession? How about for you? Are your broken knees that won’t allow you to get down on the floor a hindrance? Are your kids keeping their eyes open and watching you making it harder for you to focus?
The only way these things are a worship problem is if you’d rather deal with them than with God. But perhaps they are gifts from God that remind you why confession is so important in real life. Beloved, is God’s Spirit trying to get your attention? Do you know what is right but are failing to do it? (James 4:17) Then confess your sins to God and trust the forgiveness He offers to those who believe in Christ that you might be holy and acceptable to Him.