An old British magazine called Tit-Bits, dated September 18, 1897, relates the following story about Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the famous Sherlock Holmes:
“A friend of his had often been told that there is a skeleton in the cupboard of every household, no matter how respectable that household may be; and he determined to put this opinion to a practical test. Selecting for the subject of his experiment a venerable Archdeacon of the Church, against whom the most censorious critic had never breathed a word, he went to the nearest post office, and dispatched a telegram to the revered gentleman: ‘All is discovered! Fly at once!’ The Archdeacon disappeared, and has never been heard of since.”
True or anecdotal, I recall hearing the tale when I was a boy. Even if it were only a parable, the moral was certainly clear: we’re all cowards before our own conscience.
In our last article, we thought about the dastardly consequences when Christians veil the gospel from those who need to see it. How is it possible that those on their way to heaven have no concern about those on their way to hell? Such people ought to at least wonder if they’re really saved.
But now we need to think about the Ultimate Unveiling. Did you know that’s the meaning of the last book in the Bible? Revelation means “to uncover.” And what an unveiling it’s going to be!
Jesus’ words should sober us up: “There is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.” (Lk 12:2-3)
Not pointed enough? Then try this saber thrust: “The word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit,…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Heb 4:12-13)
Ouch! It’s not just our words but our thoughts and motives that will be on display. And you thought you had privacy issues with social media!
I guess King David had something like the National Secrets Act, too—perhaps more accurately named the National Sinners Act since it may be used more often to protect the powerful than the people. He tried to cover up his sin, but observes, “When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me.” (Ps 32:3-4) You can’t get away from God.
But hold on a minute. Listen to this: “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (Prov 28:13) If we hide our sin, God will expose it because we can’t prosper when hobbled by sin. But if we confess it? “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Ps 32:1) We may still suffer consequences, as David did, but now our conscience is clear before God. Honesty really is the best policy.
Article by Jabe Nicholson first published in the Commercial Dispatch, Sunday, October 9, 2022