Have you ever lost your wallet or had your personal information stolen? Even if you haven’t, you can imagine that would be a vulnerable situation to be in. There has been a rise in stealing corporate and personal information through cyber attacks as well in which they try to extort money from anyone they can in order to not lose valuable information. I’ve had my credit card compromised a few times in the past couple years, and though it was inconvenient and I felt slightly violated, it wasn’t nearly as bad as other situations could be. What would you do if all your personal information were made known to others or people with malicious intent?
For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14
You don’t have to read too far in the papers or watch much TV to hear stories about celebrities, politicians, and other famous personalities who have messed up in some way. Whether that be assaults, tax evasion, saying something inappropriate, sexual misconduct, infidelity and moral failings, etc, the list is almost endless. Recently, some have written books revealing extra personal information about the former president and his administration. None of this is really new, as gossip based on the truth and lies has been around since people have been talking and writing about it. Since the Garden of Eden, people have been trying to cover up their misdeeds, or blaming others for their bad behavior. Just watch 10 minutes of a TV court show for a while and you get 10 different versions of people saying ‘It wasn’t my fault.’ No matter what the crime or atrocities committed, people can always try to justify their actions in some selfish, bizarre manner, as we have been doing it for centuries. What will it take to change this behavior?
For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Luke 8:17
Regardless of our past mistakes and misdeeds, we have a Counselor whom we can confide in and is willing to do more than just listen to our stories, but will grant us forgiveness when we confess and repent of them. This is more than anyone else is willing or able to do for even our most minor infraction. If you have ever been let off the hook for speeding or any other violation of the law, that sense of relief is just a drop in the bucket compared to the freedom Christ grants us through forgiveness of sins. Maybe you remember the first time you experienced that sense of complete forgiveness, and maybe you still experience that again from time to time. Even if all the world knew your misdeeds, you could still have joy in knowing they can be forgiven by the one who gives the pardon that matters. Whatever your sins from this past month, there may still be consequences, but take them to the Lord and He can still give you a new start on a life lived for others.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Yours in Christ,
Clark
