So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Matthew 10:26
Jesus said it. Those things purposely kept hidden will be revealed. So all the enemies of God will be exposed for who they are and what they have done. That’s good news until you understand that the Truth cuts both ways. What secrets are you keeping? How transparent are you? Eventually all will be exposed and the real truth of everything will be seen. So much of the intimate work of the Holy Spirit in our lives is getting us to confess our deepest hidden iniquities and sin. One of the barriers that we often have placed in His way is our own denial to those hidden issues. It is easier to just deny that they are real and are actually affecting us. We all have a ‘sin nature’ on this side of heaven that must be dealt with … till we shed this mortal body. We cannot achieve ‘perfection’ this side of heaven, we MUST rely on His grace and acknowledge our weaknesses.
Paul addresses this issue head on.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
Can you admit your ‘weaknesses’? Are you acutely aware of them? Do you talk of them to those who are closest to you? We may think we’ve got our shortcomings hidden from them … but the reality most likely is … they already know but because they love you, they have already accepted you as you are. We first must accept the reality that we DO have weaknesses. Then we must acknowledge our weaknesses and surrender ourselves to Him, and allow His strength and grace to be what we rely on … rather than our pride and denial. Paul took it to another level by highlighting his weaknesses.
If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 2 Corinthians 11:30
Taking this approach will allow us to highlight what Jesus has done and doing for us, rather than highlighting what we think we can do. I’m not talking about ‘false humility’ performances to show how great you are about being humble. I’m talking about a quiet surrendered life that exudes our gratefulness to Jesus in everything we say and do. Is Jesus the main topic found in our words? Are His attributes what comes out of our mouths? Are our actions what display His love, compassion, and mercy? Are our lives a living epistle of Him?
You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. 2 Corinthians 3:2
Another paradox is the closer we get to God the more we see our shortcomings and sin – in the very smallest of things. So those who seem to be the ‘holiest’ and spiritually mature are actually acutely aware of their own iniquities and sin. Beware… of those who say that they are ‘holy’ and righteous, for they are deluding themselves and trying to convince others with lies.
Father — we surrender to Jesus. We seek the help of the Holy Spirit. We admit our shortcomings, sinful nature, iniquities, and sin before You. Father… forgive us. We accept the sacrifice Jesus made for us. We NEED Your mercy and grace. Help us to accept the Truth You see about us. Thank You for Your love.