This article builds on “Hidden Sins, Part One,” which was written previously (August 24, 2012). I forgot to post Part Two, so here it is. The next question to be asked is: What are the results of “hidden sins,” and what can we do about it?

  1. It results in dishonesty with self. King David was seeking to rise above this sinful situation and lead a life as if nothing happened. Before long, he was not above any sin. This is not an effective way to live. As Proverbs reminds us, “Be certain that your sin will find you out.”
  2. It inevitably leads to more sin. One must do whatever it takes to maintain the “hiddenness” of the sin. Anything that leads to the possibility of exposure must be destroyed. Sin builds upon sin in order to accomplish this. Once the sin is exposed, the previous deception is usually devastating to relationships when others see the lies that were fabricated to “hide” the sin.
  3. It leads to inner turmoil. I do not know about you, but a life of “my body wasted away” and “groaning all day long” is not inviting to me. However, repentance, leading to a “peace that passes all understanding” or being “blessed” is very inviting.
  4. It often leads to encouraging others to participate in the deception and sin. David has to bring Joab into the deception and sin as he seeks to destroy Uriah. The goal becomes: whatever threatens the hiddenness of the sin must be destroyed. No one or thing can get in the way.
  5. One’s focus of living is not giving to others (i.e., directing the energies of one’s soul toward others) but rather protecting self (i.e., directing the energies of one’s soul toward self). In other words, the person is not free to love others because his energies are expended in protecting the hidden realities of his life. One cannot be free to love others while living in fear that they might find out about the hidden sin. The primary goal becomes not to love others, but rather to maintain the hiddenness of the sin. Self-preservation becomes the primary passion and focus in life.

Our Necessary Response

What needs to happen if we have “hidden sins?”

  1. We need a good community of believers to walk with in this life. We must “fight for one another’s holiness.” We need a “Paul,” a “Barnabus,” and a “Timothy” in our lives.

“Paul”: This is an older person, one who has spiritual maturity and is further down the road in life than us, who can impart wisdom to us as we seek to find our way through life.

“Barnabus”: This is a peer, one who is growing spiritu