But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:2
Hidden things are usually hidden for a reason. Someone does not want them to be found or revealed because they may cause a negative reaction in others. Murderers and monsters remain hidden in movies until they are ready to lash out and strike someone and kill that person. Once revealed, they have to be dealt with.
Paul tells the Corinthian church that he and those with him have renounced hidden things that are shameful. They do not walk in the ways of the world, handling the word of God incorrectly, but are open to all to see and judge before God.
What is unseen appears to be safe from judgement or having to deal with it. Things are brushed under the carpet or shut up in a closet to be out of sight. As long as one cannot see it, it appears to be gone.
People can hide things from other people, but no one is able to hide anything from God. Anything done in the dark secret places, all alone is wide open to God’s vision. In the end God will judge all those secret actions, words and thoughts.
Instead of twisting God’s word to allow one to live in sin, believers need to be willing to renounce those hidden sins that are in their lives and turn away from them. Living a life of holiness and righteousness in the open is what God is calling each and every believer to do.
Changed lives, that are open to be seen and are lived in truth and righteousness are what will draw others to Christ.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that God will reveal any secret sins things in your life to allow you to repent of them; that you will renounce any sin in your life to follow God; that you will live the holy life God has called you to live; and that God will guide you in handling His word correctly.
Photo by Danielle-Claude Bélanger on Unsplash
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