“…if he has sinned and has realized his guilt and will restore what he took…” Leviticus 6.4

Sin is a powerful force in our lives today, just as it was in the days of ancient Israel. We can be so blinded by sin that we actually become blind to the sins we might commit against God and our neighbors. The Law speaks of one who might make a vow to the Lord, only to realize, upon further reflection, that this was a foolish and sinful act (Lev. 5.4, 5). Our text above refers to one who actually sins against God or a neighbor and isn’t aware of his transgression, or has willfully refused to face up to the wrong he is committing, but who later “comes to his senses” and realizes his guilt.

By some means, therefore, Israelites were expected to review their lives, to keep a watch on their conduct, and to be open to God correcting them as needed, whether through some prompting of His Spirit or the intervention of a neighbor or loved one. We cannot make progress in holiness if we do not work to put behind us any practices which are contrary to the holy and righteous and good Law of God (Rom. 7.12). And, since sin is such that it can make us blind to sin in the moment of actually committing sin, some time must be set aside in our lives for reflecting on our activities and listening to the Lord and others for any words of confirmation or correction.

Solomon, Jesus, and the Apostle Paul all affirm that this is a wise and necessary discipline. The spiritual discipline of the self-watch is as old as the Law of God and, because of the law of sin still active within us, as necessary today as it was in the days of Moses and ancient Israel.

For a more complete exposition of the promises of God, order a copy of T. M.’s book, I Will Be Your God, from our online store. Here is a further meditation by T. M. on the importance of practicing an active self-watch.