21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God; 1John 3:21 ESV
Nothing doth so much establish the mind amidst the rollings and turbulency
of present things, as both a look above them, and a look beyond them; above
them to the good and steady Hand by which they are ruled, and beyond them
to the sweet and beautiful end to which, by that Hand, they shall be
brought. Study pure and holy walking, if you would have your confidence
firm, and have boldness and joy in God. You will find that a little sin
will shake your trust and disturb your peace more than the greatest
sufferings: yea, in those sufferings, your assurance and joy in God will
grow and abound most if sin be kept out. So much sin as gets in, so much
peace will go out.
R. LEIGHTON.*
How often do we sincerely ask God to reveal our personal sins to us? Do we really want God to shine His holy light into the deepest, darkest corners of our heart and illuminate the habits and thoughts that displease Him?
If not, why not? Is it because we worry He might reveal to us some habit of which we are unaware? Maybe His examination will bring to light a sin of which we had no knowledge. While this is a possibility, I think it is more a case of "just ignore it, and it will go away". Not the sin, but God's conviction of that sin.
My belief is that our hesitancy to ask God's conviction is less about the fear of the unknown and more about our fear to talk about the elephant in the room. Christians are willing to tolerate a disquietude over a sin. We will ignore that still, small voice of conviction. But to have a conversation with God. . . It is at that point we can no longer claim ignorance. We cannot lift our hands to our mouths in mock surprise, "I had no idea, God. I really didn't know."
To be honest and open with God strips away our excuses. To ask for His revelation and/or conformation leaves us no room to hide.
It is amusing that we think anything is hidden from God. Adam and Eve tried to hide their sin from God. Ananias and Sapphira were not able to conceal their disobedience. He has knowledge even if we lack admission.
Confess. Come into agreement with God. Then enjoy the peace that comes with the restoration of the relationship with Him.
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