For everyone who does evil deeds hates the light and does not come to the light, so that their deeds will not be exposed. But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, so that it may be plainly evident that his deeds have been done in God. (John 3:20-21)
Six-year-old Alexis ran giggling into her pastor’s arms, only to pinch her nose and say, “Pee yew, stinky breath.”
I was the pastor.
A three-year-old boy named Mateo was one of my best friends in Fiji, even though he often sat on my lap just so he could play with the waddle under my chin.
Children are painfully honest. They haven’t yet adopted our jaded and guarded worldview.
For us adults, the joy of living inside the bright circle of truth is only for the few who tenaciously pursue honesty. I must fully admit my past, present, and future mistakes. Sin left in the dark breeds a fungal power over my heart.
I must confess to myself first, and that with the brutal honesty of Alexis and Mateo. Second, I confess to God for forgiveness (1 John 1:9), because I need forgiveness more than I need my next breath. Finally, I go to a church shepherd, counselor, or partner who prays for my release from the secret’s bondage (James 5:16).
I’ve learned the hard way that blabbing my specific sins to everyone only gives the devil fodder for greater evil. But the fungus of shame will continue to plague me until the secret passes out of my mouth. So I must find a praying confidant and disclose every shred of guilt, nothing held back.
Honest living requires monumental work, but the reward is a return to the pure freedom of a child’s heart. And who wouldn’t want to live with the joy of Alexis and Mateo?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me live honestly in your light.