I realize the title of this post is a bit invasive.
It assumes you’re hiding a particular sin.
I once worked with someone who thought this way and spoke out often on the subject. He’d say to just about anyone, “I really have a hard time believing that you’re not hiding something sinful.”
Can you imagine what it was like for our leadership team to hear that all the time?
Then again, his candor rallied against the apathy most Christians seem to have toward one another’s secret sins. It almost seems like we have a “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy in church circles when it comes to the things we struggle with.
Maybe we fear if we hold someone accountable to their secret sins, they’ll hold us accountable to our own.
Again, assuming you have any secret sins.
John MacArthur said, “Those who sin secretly actually intensify their guilt, because they add the sin of hypocrisy to their offense.” Others have added that who you are when no one is looking is who you really are.
That may all be true, but all those statements seem to do is pile more guilt upon an area of your life that you may already feel guilty in.
Again, assuming you have any secret sins.
Here’s what I’ve observed:
- It’s easier to live life compartmentalized versus integrated: One of our youth leaders mentioned how a particular carload of teens that came each week had two CDs in their car: one CD was labeled, “Wednesday night” and contained Christian music; the other CD had no label and contained songs riddled with with profanity, sex-talk and more. We could assume this is true of students, but the truth is most get their cues on a duplicitous life from us.
- Intentional sin is more common than we care to admit: In every prayer circle, we hear people generally ask for support with their “struggles.” Seldom (if ever) do we hear someone say, “I plan on sinning this week, despite what God says about it. Here’s what I’ll be doing and when.” I wouldn’t assume (like my former co-worker did) that everyone is out to live like this, but wouldn’t you agree that it’s probably more the case than we assume it to be?
- Nothing will collectively change unless someone individually models something more authentic: Present your own life on display as someone who is letting God work in areas that you’re likewise resisting Him. Talk about why between the two choices you’re still erring on the side of God’s best versus your mess. You may need to filter some of what you share to students, but make sure there are some peers who know the whole story so they can hold you accountable.
Again, assuming you have any secret sins.
What have you learned about this area of Christendom that we overlook – sometimes on purpose?
The title was actually inviting; You dared to go there. It’s relieving when someone’s ready to look at you as a fallen human, rather than assuming you’re a sinless uber-holy perfect disciple.
This is obviously coming from someone who believes they have secret sins!
Sweet! Thanks for your feedback, Sarah. It’s a risky topic, and I so value your gracious “Received and applied” response. 🙂
The title was actually inviting; You dared to go there. It’s relieving when someone’s ready to look at you as a fallen human, rather than assuming you’re a sinless uber-holy perfect disciple.
This is obviously coming from someone who believes they have secret sins!
Sweet! Thanks for your feedback, Sarah. It’s a risky topic, and I so value your gracious “Received and applied” response. 🙂
Yes, I agree with Sarah. Thank you Tony for your willingness to bring the topic of sin up (and secret sin more specifically). I am getting ready for a weekend retreat right now so I don’t have much time to comment, but your words were refreshing and spoke to me. Amazing how our souls are actually fed when we deal honestly with the topic of sin. 🙂
Appreciate that, Nathan. Pray your weekend retreat is amazing!
Yes, I agree with Sarah. Thank you Tony for your willingness to bring the topic of sin up (and secret sin more specifically). I am getting ready for a weekend retreat right now so I don’t have much time to comment, but your words were refreshing and spoke to me. Amazing how our souls are actually fed when we deal honestly with the topic of sin. 🙂
Appreciate that, Nathan. Pray your weekend retreat is amazing!
I would have to say I agree with Sarah as well. I believe one of the greatest barriers to dealing with/sharing sins, particularly secret sins, is the reaction of those who believe you have no sin. Addressing sin reminds us that we are humans in need of God’s grace on a daily basis. Thanks for the article and having the boldness to be honest. Definitely a person dealing with sin and temptations.
Thank you for loving students, families, and communities.
I would have to say I agree with Sarah as well. I believe one of the greatest barriers to dealing with/sharing sins, particularly secret sins, is the reaction of those who believe you have no sin. Addressing sin reminds us that we are humans in need of God’s grace on a daily basis. Thanks for the article and having the boldness to be honest. Definitely a person dealing with sin and temptations.
Thank you for loving students, families, and communities.