Secrets and Lies

Read:  Psalm 44:22

Introduction:  Everyone keeps secrets but not all secrets are good. We are going to look at some of the verses of the Bible that address this subject.

1. Good Secrets

The Word of God says that there are ‘good’ secrets and ‘bad’ secrets. In Matthew 6:1-18, Jesus said we should be secretive about some things:

Our financial giving (v 1-4)
Prayer and fasting (v 5-6, 16-18)
Where we have been wronged (v 12-15)

It is not wrong to set an example to others but those who do so must avoid the pride trap and do so  with a pure heart (1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7; 1 Corinthians 4:5).

2. Bad Secrets

The Bible also speaks about ‘bad’ secrets too, such as:  secret plans (Genesis 31:26-28); secret places (Jeremiah 23:24); and secret sins (Psalm 90:8)

So if we do have a secret, and we are not sure which category it falls into, here are some challenging questions that may help to decide:

Why am I concealing this information?
Is it a secret or is it a lie?
Would I be ashamed if others found out?
How do I feel about my secret?

Do I think I can hide my secret from God?

The scriptures teach that God knows evereything. including the secrets of our hearts.

“God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” Ecclesiastes 12:14

Jesus said, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known” Matthew 10:26

“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” Hebrews 4:13

Conclusion

The antidote for darkness and concealment is light and confession. See 1 John 1:5-10 where "walking in the truth" is equated with the confession of sins. The darkness is defeated by light. if you have siined, there is mercy and forgiveness for you.  Solomon said, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” Proverbs 28:13