Proverbs 28:12-13 In recent years we have seen in our own country what happens when we try to cover up our sins. There was Watergate, and then the unfaithfulness of a president. There is a verse in the Bible that says that everything done in darkness will be brought to light.
Whenever we try to cover our sins rather than confess them, we will not prosper. We may prosper outwardly, but inwardly covering our sin will cause our souls to be damaged. Our minds will become confused, our emotions will experience torment and fear, and our wills will become unsurrendered and rebellious to God. John writes in one of his letters, “I would that you all prosper and be in health as your soul prospers.” The person who covers his sin will never prosper. Proverbs also tells us that he who hides iniquity in his heart will not prosper.
If we want to prosper both outwardly and inwardly, we must be honest with God and others about our sins. I can remember one time in my life (thank God I can only remember one time) when I told a boldface lie to my husband. I did not sleep well until this sin was out in the open. Unfortunately I got caught before I confessed my sin to my husband. Thank God he was forgiving and understanding. Rest assured that whatever we do will eventually be uncovered; if not in this life, it definitely will be uncovered in the next life. When our son was on drugs he told us many lies, but everything he tried to hide from us was eventually uncovered. God in His mercy saw to that. Life is so wonderful when we are able to be open and honest and confess our sins. The Bible says we are to confess our sins, not cover our sins, to one another so that we might be healed. We foolishly think sometimes we can hide our sins from God, but He knows all and sees all.
The next time you are tempted to cover your sins rather than confess them, think about the consequences. The torment, confusion and fear this brings is not worth it. The sooner we confess our sins, the sooner we can be liberated from the bondage that caused us to sin.
Lord, I remember all too well the torment I was in when I tried to cover my sin. Please do not let me ever do this again. I want my soul to prosper.
READ: Ezekiel 47:1-48:35; 1 Peter 2:11-3:9; Psalm 119:49-64; Proverbs 28:12-13
