Day Two: Secret Sins

Initially when I read this day's devotional, I was taken aback.

Yes, we all have our skeletons in the closet.

However, I need to stop thinking that there are sins that are somehow "greater" than others. The secret sins we keep feel like somehow they are "worse" than others, but God tells us in his Word:

"The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die." http://bible.com/59/ezk.18.20-21.esv

By this reasoning, anyone who is less than perfect is condemned. None of us are exempt from this. We have all failed many times in our lives. We've all lied, taken things that weren't ours, looked at someone with lust (or gone further than that). Even the "smallest" thing is sinful. How many times I have failed to be perfect! Every moment of every day! So the way to live, judging by this passage, is to keep all of God's commands. There's no way I can do that...

Thanks be to God that Jesus lived perfectly and atoned for me (and all of you)! His perfection is put over me! He died, once for all! To bear the sins of the whole world, secret or otherwise, must have been horrific. It breaks my heart and makes me joyful and thankful at the same time.

We know that others can't see the secret sins in our heart, but God knows they're there. As the saying goes, confession is good for the soul. Find a trusted Christian friend or pastor with whom to share your sins. Absolution (being declared forgiven by God) is the salve that covers our sinful wounds. The forgiveness that we are given by God gives us a joy like none other.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.  Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. http://bible.com/59/gal.6.1-2.esv 

Lord, help us to confess our sins, secret or otherwise, to you! Help us bear each other's burdens and support each other on our Christian walk. Thank you for taking our sin upon yourself on the cross. Help us share the joy of your forgiveness with all around us. In Your Name, Amen!

Until next time,