Craig Clouston

 Hidden or Bare?

August 7

Nothing … is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and

laid bare.

Hebrews 4:13

Jeremy had been dealing from the bottom of the deck, so to speak, living a life

committed to Christ on the outside while entertaining a hidden secret. He

loved Jesus but seemed unable to resist the temptation of gambling. He wasn’t

sneaking off to the local casinos or playing online poker; Jeremy was addicted

to scratch-off lotto tickets. Things had gotten out of hand. He’d purchased more than

three hundred dollars worth in the past month. Bills were being ignored, and his

stress level had spiked.

He’d run into a few members of his congregation at the local convenience

store while buying tickets, but had covered up by lying, saying he was getting

them for a neighbor.

As it turned out, a recovering gambler had observed him scratching tickets

in the parking lot. Sensing God’s leading, the man approached Jeremy’s car.

He tapped on the window, causing Jeremy to jump as if stung; the shock and

distress on his face told the man all he needed to know.

Caught and embarrassed, Jeremy’s immediate thought was, This is none of

his business! But he kept it to himself. “Hey, Mark. What’s up?” he said.

“Hey Jeremy, how’s this lotto ticket thing working out for you?” Caught

off guard by Mark’s candidness, Jeremy just sat in stunned silence, unable to

answer. And in a moment of clarity, Jeremy realized God was giving him an

opportunity for freedom. He’d sent Mark, who knew a little something about

this corner of hell.

h

If we believe the evil we do will not be uncovered, we are deceived. God’s Word

declares He sees everything. But the deceit-filled heart whispers, “You will not

be found out or required to pay the consequences of your indiscretion.” We buy

the lie, living in blissful ignorance until it all comes crashing down around us.

There is a depravity in hidden sin. It can convince and pervert the purest of

hearts, successfully convincing us that God isn’t really watching.

But His Word says otherwise. Anything hidden will be spoken of from the

rooftops (Luke 12:3).

Prayer

“You alone know everything about my life, Lord.

Cleanse my heart and keep me from the lies

of hidden sin. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”