Hidden but Known

Whatever is done in secret, the saying goes, will be shouted from the rooftops. During the recent corporate scandals, many found out that what they thought were hidden in boardrooms, conference rooms, and smoke-filled rooms on Wall Street, were not. Sure they rode the wave, until that wave came crashing in around them. Many of us have said, “They deserve whatever they get.” But if we are honest, we know we’ve done the same thing.

No, we haven’t embezzled millions of dollars, or misrepresented financials to our shareholders, but we have done things in secret that we fear may someday become public knowledge. We’ve lied (even white lies), cheated (on our taxes), stolen (paper clips and stickie-notes), manipulated (to cover ourselves), and stepped on others (to protect ourselves). We know this, so we paint on a pretty face and go to church, hoping this act of obedience will ward off any wrath we may receive if the hidden becomes open.

Proverbs 10:9 warns us of the danger in not being a man or woman of integrity. If we walk in integrity we never have to fear being discovered, but if we don’t, we will find our paths crooked. Instead, we’ll be dodging, hiding, and sneaking around hoping never to be discovered. We don’t have to live this way. We can go to God, and to those we have wronged, and seek forgiveness. Forgiveness takes all of the wind out of the enemy’s sails, and his weapon of fear will no longer hold power.

PRAYER:  Right now, as You bring to my mind the things from which I am running, I pause before You to seek Your forgiveness, for these sins I thought were hidden are never hidden from You. Thank you for Your forgiveness and where it is necessary to seek the forgiveness of others, give me courage.

“He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known,” Proverbs 10:9 KJV.

Today’s devotion is by Cheri Cowell, who writes and speaks on topics of Christian discipleship. In addition to her books and articles, you can learn about her speaking ministry and sign up to receive her daily devotional at www.CheriCowell.com