I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”  (Luke 15:18-19)

Since we embarked on this journey known as The 21 Days of At.One.Ment Fast on Sept. 22, 2013, we have been looking at factors which conspire to keep us from experiencing the at.one.ment we already have with our Father in heaven.

We began by checking whether unconfessed sin and double mindedness stand in the way and took remedial action.

On Day 4 of the Fast, we look at two related but different conditions that can also prevent us from experiencing at.one.ment in full measure.

In one and the same sentence, the so-called Prodigal Son, gives us a vivid illustration of both at work in his life.

“Father, I have sinned.”—That is an admission of guilt.

“I am no longer worthy.”—That statement reeks of shame.

The difference between guilt and shame is simply this:

I HAVE sinned—admitting that you have DONE something bad.

I AM no longer worthy—declaring that you ARE bad.

This may sound radical, but shame is no longer an option for a follower of Jesus.

Why?

Because shame makes you behave as Adam and Eve did in the garden of Eden when “they hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8)

Jesus says in John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” The word “draw” implies a persuasive attraction by love. It is as though the Father woos and the child comes running to Him.

In other words, all shame is removed as the former sinner leaves his/her hiding spot and comes into the arms of a loving Father.

In the parable to which we alluded earlier, the father clearly illustrates this, doesn’t he? “When he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)

You could say that the father drew the son unto himself. To reinforce the fact that there was no need for shame, he commands his servants to “bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.”

So, friends, if you are dealing with shame, recognize it as the work of the enemy to keep you from experiencing at.one.ment with the Father. Call his bluff. Realize your true identity. And be set free!

Similarly, if you have confessed your sin and are still feeling guilt, something is wrong with the picture!

Read these words of David in Psalm 32:5: I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

The Lord not only forgives your sin, he also forgives the guilt of your sin. In other words, once you’ve confessed your sin, there is no more reason for you to experience guilt, hallelujah!

(Do I hear an Amen?)

Take some quiet time right now to be with your heavenly Daddy. Just stay in His Presence in silence. Let Him love on you. Let Holy Spirit wash away any lingering doubt of guilt. Let Jesus reassure you that that you are indeed in a state of at.one.ment with the Father.