For
now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face
to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am
fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But
the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:12-13 NIV).
Several
years ago I married Kathy. This was perhaps the most freeing thing I
ever did. It is a severely cowing burden to maintain
deep dark secrets. Since I am fully confident in Kathy's love, I
have been able to unload each and every one of those secrets.
In
the presence of an all-knowing God it seems to me that we can have
two diametrically opposed reactions. We can, like Adam and Eve, try to
hide in guilt and shame. On the other hand, realizing that we are
fully known and loved despite our imperfections, we can experience a
tremendous liberation of spirit.
It
has become almost a truism relating to high profile people, that when
they do something they shouldn't their attempt to cover it up is much
worse than the thing originally done; for dishonesty is perhaps the
most telling and dangerous of all failings. To keep up a dishonest
presentation requires constant maintenance and the limitless
expenditure of all types of resources and even can engender a type of
dark paranoia.
There
is no denying it. Who among us does not feel relieved and encouraged
when we see someone own up in all honesty to a faux pas? This is
because all of us know perfectly well from our own experience the
hurtful implications of dishonesty. None of us want to see
anyone—especially a leader—more enslaved to deceit than
ourselves.
Thus,
an omniscient, loving God can be our ticket to health and freedom.
We can prayerfully acknowledge lapses confident in knowing that
he loves us still. Since our deep dark secrets are already out, we
can be encouraged to share them with others—even those not our
friends—for in every important respect we have no secrets anyway.
It is my firm belief that in doing so we will garner much genuine respect.
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