The Exposure of Subtle Secrets

The Exposure of Subtle Secrets Devotional Reading and Podcast

Subtle definition: so delicate or precise as difficult to analyze or describe, or, making use of clever and indirect methods to achieve something.

As I reflected on my childhood, as a little girl with three best friends, I laughed out loud. We attended a Christian school with many rules. Still, we had progressive, independent personalities for little church girls. The four of us formed a club with two rules, no outsiders could join, and we promised to keep secrets from everyone else, including our parents. During our daily recreation time at school, we huddled together always whispering and laughing.

We were frequently approached by others to join our club, but our fearless leader always responded, The rules say that no one else can join our club. Why didn’t we allow others to join? Because of our conversations. We talked about our dolls and our dislike for boys, but we also gossiped about our teachers and the other girls. We were intelligent enough to use exclusion because we knew that the other girls would be tattle-tales and expose our secrets. Yes, we are born with desperately wicked hearts, our actions were not learned behaviors.

Let’s clarify that all secrets are not sinful. Many individuals do not disclose the pursuit of a new job or business until it has come to fruition. Or if you are a new graduate and your profession requires a licensure or certification exam, it is best practice not to tell others until you have successfully passed the exam.

God says that we cannot trust others: “Put no trust in a neighbor; have no confidence in a friend; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms…” –Micah 7:5

God’s word is truth! I worked in the criminal justice system for a few years and most individuals who were caught and imprisoned were betrayed by their wives, significant others, friends, and family members.

When studying the scriptures about secrets, we know the Bible was written for believers to keep us from going astray into the depths of sin. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right” (2 Timothy 3:16, NLT).

God always addresses our sinful behaviors and actions from a spiritual perspective. The scriptures define that secrets specifically used to hide our wrongdoing against God will result in the consequences of separation from God. “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

The Game of Cover-Up: Sin causes us to lose our connection with God and enter into an arena of spiritual and mental conflict. The darkness of sin overshadows our ability to discern wrong from right. As we continue to cover up our secret sins from others, we become weary. It takes too much effort to hide a worldly lifestyle and maintain our Christian reputation.

God does not forsake us when we are living a double life [appearing righteous but harboring secret sins]. The Holy Spirit begins to speak to us through our conscience. Because we haven’t totally given up on God, feelings of guilt and remorse enter our thoughts. At this point, we have lost our peace and must do something to alleviate the battle within our minds.

“For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” –Mark 4:22-23

Secrets always bring us to the crossroads of decision-making. To regain our sanity, we may choose one of two options depending on our motive. We may disclose to a trusted friend or family member, not to stop the sin, but to release the internal strife of right versus wrong. Even so, prayerfully, we will the life-saving option of repentance and ask God for forgiveness, which means that we renounce and give up sinful habits or relationships.

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” –Psalm 139:7

Sin desensitizes our gift of a sound mind. We forget that God knows the desires of our hearts, sees every sin and hears every spoken word. In 2 Samuel chapter 12, God sent the prophet Nathan to King David to remind him that he was aware of his sexual sin with Bathsheba, another man’s wife, and the murder of her husband.

“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.” –Romans 8:7

Never forget, we struggle with fleshly desires that will overpower us if we give into sin. Satan is working overtime since his time is short. We are living in the last days and can be easily influenced by the pleasures of the secret sins of gambling, pornography, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, alcoholic beverages, and legal or illicit drug use, Satan’s list of temptations is endless.

As disciples of Jesus Christ, we cannot allow our secret sins to place us in the same status as the dogs, sorcerers, whoremongers, murderers, idolaters, and liars in Revelation chapter 22, verse 15. Pray for the presence and power of the Holy Spirit every morning and whenever you need spiritual help to overcome temptation. Routinely fast from activities that consume your time. Study the Scriptures every day.

To be counted by God as a righteous-robed saint who will eat from the tree of life is a spiritual choice that we make daily. The reward of eternal life requires faith, trust, and obedience to God’s righteous standards and choosing godly morals and values that are distinct from the world.

“You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.” –Psalm 90:8

Prayer: God, we confess that we are not living righteously and for our sins we confess and repent. We need Your help to overcome the secret sins that separate us from You and are causing chaos in our minds and lives. We ask for the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit to resist temptation and to live holy. We ask this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

© steps2successwithsolutions 2023