How many times have we been caught red-handed? I mean really caught. The kind of busted that happens when the fire department has arrived and there we stand, still holding the matches. It would be fair to say we have all, at one time or another, been caught red-handed. Yet, what about all the things we’ve done that have never been brought into the light and found out? The burden we carry in the shameful backpack of our guilty conscience. We know it’s wrong, but do it anyway, all the time lying to ourselves, saying it is not a big deal. But the overwhelming fear of being discovered starts to affect every part of our life.
King Solomon wrote, “He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.” (Proverbs 10:9) There is a confidence and peace that comes from walking in integrity, in other words, doing the right things for the right reasons. When we choose to live and behave inappropriately, God’s Word points out that not “if,” but “when,” we will be exposed for everyone to see. Moses told God’s people, “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out.” (Numbers 32:23) We try to live as if no one knows or cares about what we have done or are doing; daily, we try to put on the everything-is-just-fine face, when the truth is we are dying inside. God cares and we can be honest with Him because He knows us and all our stuff. So, when we finally get tired of the dark and humbly climb into the light, with repentance pouring from our lips as our hearts are emptied of our dark burdens, we are forgiven, and we can begin to walk securely in the light of His grace.