Luke 12:2-3 (NKJV) “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.”
How many times throughout your life has something happened that you could get in trouble for or bring you a measure of shame? It may have been something small or so big that it had serious ramifications? Does it change anything if no one saw what happened or know it was you who did it before someone realizes it even occurred?
I’m sure we have all been there when all eyes turn to look or you hear the whispers of people trying to figure things out. Sometimes our quickest natural reaction is to hide before anyone sees what happened. Even if someone asks if it was us we may answer with the question, “Who me?” Many of us may even deny we have a tendency to do such things because we would never do anything like that because we are responsible adults.
When things happen in life it is far too easy to just point the finger at someone else and not take responsibility for what we have done. It seems to go against human nature to just raise your hand and say, “It was me.” Have you even watched a football game where the quarterback throws a bad pass and the camera shows him hitting his chest as he says to the receiver, “my fault.” We have also seen the same situation but the quarterback yells at the receiver as if he should have caught it even though he had no chance.
This is no difference from the everyday situations that occur in our lives when we must choose our reaction. Years ago I have spent time being the accuser or denier if I could even be found to ask, but have learned it is better to admit what I have done now rather than later. Most times the consequences later can also be more severe from the penalty or the amount of respect lost. No matter if it is a friend or family member I would much rather them own up to it and try to do the same.
If we wait or allow someone else to take the blame it really does not make it easier. We know what we have done and we can feel that gnawing on the inside when guilt comes calling. This feeling may get amplified if we have to face that person especially if we called them a friend, but often we can’t even look them in the eyes. These are the times that the truth can be like weights strapped to our back or tied around our waist.
Even though you may not know where you may have picked up this trait during your life it may surprise you that this type of behavior can be traced back to the beginning of human history. I am sure you are like most people and have heard of Adam and Eve and know the story and the infamous fruit. This simple act wasn’t only the first documented defiant act against God, but it is also credited with bringing sin into this world.
Maybe things would have been different if Adam raised his hand and said, “Sorry God, my bad. I take full responsibility for what I did.” Instead when God seeks Adam He finds him hiding and his response in Genesis 3:12 to if he had eaten from the tree was. The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” Did he blame Eve or go straight to the top and point the finger at God?
It did not get any better when He turned to the woman asked and in Genesis 3:13 what she had done. The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” She also had an opportunity to admit what she had done and ask forgiveness, but her finger pointed at the serpent. This wasn’t any better but at least it wasn’t at God. So, as you can see mankind has not changed much over the centuries. We are still pointing fingers in other directions other than toward ourselves.
After all this time we are still afraid to face the shame that comes with our transgressions. Even if we cannot bear someone finding out what we did we should not try to hide from God. We see this in Jeremiah 16:17, “For My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes.” We may not get relief from the guilt we are feeling, but since God already knows what we have done He can help show us the path we need to take.
In John 8 we also find the advice that Jesus gave to the people who believed in Him and what consequences we could encounter. “32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” and “34 Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.” Would you rather be free or bound by what has occurred? I have found that I have the peace I want when I take responsibility for what I have done no matter how much shame I think it may bring.
This path is not an easy one to walk and no matter how steep it may get God still loves us. We may feel alone and don’t deserve His love, but He is standing with us in all situations. So use the strength the Lord gives us to stand and humbly face anything that we have done no matter the consequence. So, join me in the freedom of truth rather than the bondage of lies and deceit. Also please enjoy “With My Arms Opened Wide.”
WITH MY ARMS OPENED WIDE
Oh no, I think they have found out what is it that I have done,
Before they figure out it’s me maybe I should find a place to run.
I just don’t want to get caught in something that brings me shame,
But if I hurry and think quickly I can find someone to blame.
Maybe if I look surprised I can deny I know anything about it,
Almost anything seems easier than just finally having to admit.
Alas they found somebody else so now I am off the hook,
But it is my friend who is in trouble now at his face I cannot look.
The guilt I feel deep down inside won’t let me get any rest,
Lord let me know what I should do and tell me what is best.
Child, you want Me to relieve your pain from the effects of sin you’re feeling,
I cannot provide you what you seek and stop the spin which has you reeling.
Your house may feel like it’s sinking into the sand on which it was built,
You already know what needs to be done to free yourself from this guilt.
There is guidance in My Word as you search for the strength to rise,
Because it will not be easy to face the consequences from the lies.
You must admit what you have done by letting blame fall somewhere else,
Though no one knows it is this lie that holds you captive within yourself.
Remember my love does not diminish and I am always by your side,
Then when you need comfort I will be here With My Arms Opened Wide.
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