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“A fraudulent intent, however carefully concealed at the outset, will generally, in the end, betray itself.” – Livy – Roman Historian
When I looked for a photo to describe the word CONCEALED, images displaying individuals with concealed guns popped up. That was interesting, and a sign of the times I guess. I was actually thinking more about hiding internal issues, not deadly weapons. Sometimes there’s not a whole lot of difference, at least figuratively. To CONCEAL means to keep from sight, or to hide completely; to keep something secret; to prevent it from being known or noticed. Certainly, most who carry concealed arms have a self or other-protective intent. The same could be said for many who hold secrets, sins, and deceptions, but, “God can’t heal what you won’t reveal.”
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“Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer the righteous availeth much.” (James 5:16) This is one of the most well-known but difficult to apply scriptural instructions. Uncovering problem areas is excruciating, but it’s a part of the Cross-life. It feels like we’re going to die if we admit that something is awry in our lives or we’ve done something wrong. We take such pride in appearing perfect. We wonder if anyone will care for us or handle our flaws or sins graciously. So instead of disclosing the issue, we do what makeup artists have been instructing women across the globe to do every day. We apply CONCEALER to cover up any perceived flaw. Except we don’t use commercial make-up; we wield distraction, deflection and projection. We use jokes, anger, tears, attacks, substances, and behaviors to prevent people from discovering the truth.
“…everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open and every secret will be brought to light.” (Mark 4:22)
Jesus employed this statement several times, positively and negatively in the Gospels. He tells his disciples to be aware of the yeast or the growing negative influence of the Pharisees. Jesus assures His followers that eventually the deeds and motives of these legalistic Jewish leaders will be exposed. (Luke 12:1-2) However, in Mark 4:21-25 and Luke 8:16-18, Jesus uses the same phraseology to state that the light of the true Word of God and the light being held in its carriers will also not be hidden, but exposed to all the world. The mystery of Christ, the Good News of the Gospel, was not ever meant to be concealed, but revealed. Bringing all things that God wants to expose to light is a powerful tool for freedom, deliverance, and salvation. I pray that none of us are stifled or bound by what we conceal.
