Our Secret Sins in the Light of His Countenance
Psalms 90:8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.
The psalmist’s statement should instill a fearful emotion within those who earnestly believe their life’s conduct is their own business; that none know what they say or do “in private” and that “they hurt no one” with their “private activities.” The Hebrew writer places all such notions in the category of “wrong” when he writes, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.” (Hebrews 4:13). Further, Peter indicates God’s eyes and hears are attentive to our conduct, including “secret sins.” Peter says, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12)
Throughout the Scriptures, sin is always associated with “darkness.” For example, notice what Jesus said: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” (John 3: 16 – 21, emp. mjd)
“Secret sins” are secret for a reason: viz. the sinner doesn’t want to be noticed! Why? Because the sinner knows how wrong he is in the doing of the sin! James says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (4:17) Most folks aren’t stupid: they know right from wrong, even if God’s word was not the guiding factor of their lives. They know right from wrong by the laws of the land and by the expected discipline of their environment of work, education, or sheer decency! Because they are shamed for their deeds of sin, they learn right from wrong. Unfortunately, there is a rising number of souls who enjoy the pleasures of sin (1 John 2:15 – 17) and therefore, to appease their appetite for sin, they commit these actions in “secret.”
One of the unchangeable factors such sinners fail to recognize is that such sin depletes from all righteousness. One needs but read Romans 1:26 – 32 to learn how sin continues to grow in some souls to the point of sinners not only continuing in sin but taking pleasure in others who join them! Peter speaks of the same in 2 Peter 2: 1 – 3 and continues to explain that such sinners cannot cease from sin (see verse 14). One might correctly observe they are addicted to sin. What they do in secret will be known, if not in this world then at the Judgment!
The apostle Paul admonishes with these words: “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” (Ephesians 5:11-13).
“Secret sinners” harm many more than themselves. Their “private” actions begin to influence their “normal” lives and those closest to them soon notice “something is different.” It doesn’t take long to discover the downward spiral of affection, efficiency, dedication, etc. because of the overwhelming influence of “secret sins” in his/her life. Once discovered, the damage is often so great that restoration of that which once was wonderful is remote at best. Families are destroyed, and confidence and trust are demolished to the point of no return. Yes, repentance of the sin(s) can lead one to forgiveness (2 Corinthians 7:10), but too often only the Lord can determine how genuine that repentance is; and the harsh reality of family and friendships being ended is the constant reminder of how serious the “secret sin” became BEFORE the repentance! Just as the murderer can repent, but cannot restore the life he took, how does the “secret sinner” restore the trust his sinful action destroyed with family and friends?
While many sins once “taboo” are now “socially acceptable” practices of today, none of these sins are acceptable to the God of heaven! No sin is! And while the sinner may convince him/herself that “it’s no one’s business but mine what I’m doing in secret” it is to God. Does that matter to you? Don’t forget … sin always affects your life and will soon be noticed by those closest to you. Don’t wait to ruin what is dearest to you! Repent NOW and be determined to walk in the light as God is in the light (1 John 1: 5 – 10). Abstain from ALL appearance of sin (1 Thessalonians 5:22) and life will be pleasing to God and all others!