Salacious Secret Sins
Over the past 23 years, I have used bulletin articles to give you small snippets of my testimony. I would not call my experience moving if you are looking for unusual triumphs in the face of adversity. It is difficult to accumulate a sickening yet exciting list of atrocious acts while living with godly parents under watchful eyes. This is not to say there was no sin in my house because I do have a brother and two sisters. They managed to fill the monthly quota without seriously needing my help. I am most thankful for their sacrifice.
When the subject is sin, a dull life is ideal. I wish I could stick with the narrative of the first paragraph and have you believe all is always well where I tread. I must admit, however, that I have been careful not to expose a raging heart common to all people. I have always felt the necessity of protecting reputations—not always mine but of my father and mother. To this day, I do not want to be known for any scandal that reproaches the name of my parents. This diligence sounds commendable, and it is important for how you see me as an example for the church. I am not in confession mode here, but I warn you of what I must endure every day of my life. These are the secret sins you may never see but the Lord keeps track of as much as the ones that cause ministries to fail because of bad actors.
For Christians, exposed sins have consequences that are demoralizing for others. You may drag others into the depression of your sins by just watching and losing their confidence in you. I have seen weaker believers falter in their faith because faith depended on those who were their chief examples. If secret sins remain hidden, there are fewer chances others will be involved. I know this seems I am saying you will be fine if you bury your sins too deep for others to find. This is not where I am going with this short exposition.
My point is the exceeding danger of discovering secret sins that extensively blindside others. For them, it is almost like having their insides torn out when found out. This year one well-known preacher’s failure had this effect on thousands. He now sits on the sidelines, probably and rightfully so, never to return to pulpit ministry. Sometimes, the exposure of these secret sins is accidental. With others, living with sin can be too mentally and spiritually disturbing and must creep out for retention of sanity. This is at it should be and these sins need confession. On the other hand, the seriousness of secret sin needs judgment as to its effect of disclosure because public knowledge may have too severe consequences to be useful. If the sin is not openly against others, it is best to fight it in confined spaces. We all have these and deal with them as best we can. They are never profitable to keep and must be dealt with. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit is continually sanctifying the believer.
One last point to make today. There are secret sins finally exposed that feel liberating. Instead of repenting of sin and pledging to live in the restored faith of repentance, the confession of sin is only to rid oneself of the constraints of a hypocritical life. There is no repentance. It is the desire to live in sin openly and to recategorize it in less offensive terms. Perhaps it is a way to sugarcoat the sin to make it palpable to another crowd who is happy to accept it and pretend their approval is God’s approval. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” (Galatians 6:7-8)
Pastor V. Mark Smith