When we sin, our natural tendency is to hide our transgression. This seems to be our natural instinct as Adam and Eve sought to conceal their transgression with fig leaves. They soon discovered that their human efforts at hiding sin proved inadequate. The prophet Isaiah taught us that all of our righteous deeds are as a filthy garment (Isaiah 64:6). Only God can make a suitable atonement for our sins.

We may think that we have a secret sin on earth, but it is actually an open scandal in heaven. We have a choice – we can either seek to conceal our transgressions or we can confess and forsake them:

He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. (Proverbs 28:13)

There are three primary ways that people deal with sin in their lives. Many people attempt to conceal their sin; however, they fail to realize the serious consequences of attempting to cover up one’s sin. We read in the book of Joshua that Achan and his family paid dearly with their lives as Achan sought to conceal his sin (Joshua 7:21).

King David described the physical anguish he experienced as he sought to conceal the knowledge of his sin from others:

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. (Psalm 32:3-4)

Rather than concealing our transgressions, the author of Proverbs enjoins us to confess and forsake them. The author’s contrast is not between large or small sins, but between concealing or confessing and forsaking our sins. Whoever seeks to conceal the smallest sin will not prosper – whoever confesses and forsakes the largest sin may find mercy. Confession is the idea of agreeing with God concerning the seriousness of our sin. The word forsake conveys the idea to leave, abandon, or depart from something. When we forsake our transgressions we are sorry enough to stop doing them – this is the meaning of true repentance.

There is another way that we can deal with sin in our lives and that is to conquer it before it starts. The Apostle John informed us that God can enable us to overcome sin before it starts:

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; (1 John 2:1)

Did you notice the first part of this verse? As we abide in Christ, we may experience consistent victory over sin. We know that we will not achieve sinless perfection (1 John 1:8), but if we do sin, God has provided an Advocate for us. May you experience consistent freedom from the power of sin:

and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Romans 6:18)

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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