Read

Proverbs 28:1-14

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Proverbs 28:13

Reflect

Before I taught school I heard stories that seemed unreal. People who are on the outside of any profession find it hard to believe some of the more fantastic stories about that profession. But once you go to work “on the inside,” the fantastic suddenly becomes more realistic as you see the cracks and flaws in the system that people might be able to exploit.

The following is a true story with names changed. It’s not from my own experience – in my present school environment, I wouldn’t think this would be possible. But then again, people find amazing ways to get around systems in order to cope.

As Olivia Taylor was nearing graduation from high school, she made a staggering revelation to her parents. Olivia could neither read nor write – at least not on any level close to what would be expected of even an elementary school student.

What made this situation more astonishing is that Olivia was not a marginal student who had eked through school. She was a member of the National Honor Society, was listed in Who’s Who in American High Schools and was the president of both the senior class and the student council. In short, Olivia was a model student. But she was also an expert at gaming the system.

Early in her education, Olivia had taken the path of least resistance and had done as little work as possible. She allowed others to do work for her, and along the way she had developed a system that concealed her illiteracy. She was able to sight-read things like business signs and street signs, but she didn’t even read the words on those signs. She spent so much energy on her deception, and she was such an expert at the deception that people saw her as brilliant. Sadly, she became a slave to her false image.

Too many Christians play a similar game in their relationship with the Lord. They cover up their hidden sins that are a barrier to depth in any real relationship with Jesus Christ. Most of these people are probably seen as strong Christians who have their lives completely in order, and they have become slaves to this image. But just like Olivia wasn’t able to learn until she unmasked her inability, these Christians won’t truly grow in their faith until they’re honest with God — and with themselves. Until we drop the facade of perfection, we remain a slave to our imperfection.

Today, ask God to reveal any hidden sins that you might need to reveal. Your spiritual decks may be clear, and if they are, thank Him for His grace, mercy and forgiveness. But if you’re like Olivia and you’ve been masking a hidden truth, ask the Lord for the strength to be truly honest and to help you fully reveal and confess these sins in a way that will help you move past spiritual obstacles to a fully developed and deep relationship with Him.