03/16/2023
Do we know the sins we commit? Are there things we do, or thoughts we have, that are sinful without our acknowledging the fact, or even being present in what we have done? This morning I am considering my life and the very real possibility that there are indeed sins I am guilty of that I haven’t realized, or that I committed in absentia. To remove sin requires that we face it, ask forgiveness, and then, as Jesus said, "go, and sin no more." Are we harboring sins that we are unaware of in our lives today? Are we courageous enough to ask that they be shown to us?
“When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.”
John 8:10-11 KJV
In this story of the woman who was about to be stoned for having committed adultery, we find comfort when Jesus says to her accusers...
“So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”
John 8:7 KJV
But we often read right by His telling her to "go, and sin no more." We love the forgiveness on the one hand, but recoil from the accountability on the other. We deal with sin in our lives just like our reaction to this scripture. We want to be forgiven, but on the subject of ownership? Not so much.
In order to master our sins and live a righteous life we must face those sins head on. We have to be able to see them, deal with them, be forgiven them, and then "go, and sin no more." So how do we do this with the sins in our lives that we aren’t conscious of committing?
Each morning in my predawn prayers I say these words "Father, forgive me for my sins; those I have committed knowingly, unknowingly, and by absentia." In this way I am facing and recognizing my accountability for all the sins in my life. But what of those unknown sins, and those I am guilty of in absentia? How can I change what I don't know, and haven’t seen? How can I "go, and sin no more?"
My prayers now include a scary statement. It is scary because I don't know where it will take me. I know those sins I am cognizant of, and I know when I have sinned by not acting when I should have, but the other varieties could be immense and just below the surface of my consciousness... yet even so, I must face them. So, I gather my courage and pray... "Lord, open my eyes to those sins I commit without knowing."
When unknown things become known they can be traumatic... like the attack on Pearl Harbor, a spouse who has been having an affair on you, the cancer that has been hiding in your body, the pastor that has let his congregation down. All of these things can be just beyond our sight and yet our lives seem to carry on blissfully in unawares. Are we really ready to confront those sins that lurk in the shadows at the periphery of our lives, and faith? Are we brave enough to face them?
So first of all we must deal with the question “Do I really want to know?”, and if so “Do I understand that knowing these things could cut me to the quick, and change my life forever?” The comfort we are feeling right now might prove to be false, and our basket of fruit will have been turned over, making a mess of our lives. Then there is the second question… “What is the greater ramification of simply ignoring these sins?” Can we live with a fractured relationship with God, and how can we possibly work to resolve our sinfulness and reestablish our relationship with Him without accepting accountability for these hidden sins? How can we ask for His forgiveness and then "go, and sin no more"?
The reality is this… Not knowing isn’t innocence, and turning a blind eye doesn’t remove the fact that we remain unforgiven sinners. A person who has an unknown cancer in their body is still dying… but by not knowing the truth they are unable to pursue treatment and return to health. You see, ignorance is no excuse, being Pollyanna in the face of sin can lead us to the place where Jesus will judge us with these words...
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Matthew 7:22-23 KJV
So unless we choose to face this terrible judgement we need to ask the scary questions, the hard questions. We need to ask God to reveal to us the sins we commit without our knowing. Is this uncomfortable? Absolutely it is, but it is also necessary. Unknown sins are like moles in a fine lawn... you can't see them, but they leave evidence of where they have been, and eventually that once beautiful lawn is destroyed. Are we courageous enough to ask for God to shine a light on the unknown sins we might have committed? Are we willing to account for them by asking His forgiveness, and then doing those things no more as we go forward with living our lives?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for seeing my heart, and knowing all that I am, and for seeing my life, and all that I do; even seeing those sins that I might not be aware of, and then mercifully revealing them to me. Give me the desire Lord to not only face the sins that are blatantly before me, but give me the courage to ask that you show me those of which I am yet unaware. Lord, let my faith grow as I conquer each of my sins through your Word, instruction, and the revelation of your Holy Spirit. Holy Father forgive me as I uproot those sins that undermine our relationship, and continue to lead me forward by revealing the shortcomings in my faith. Jesus, point out the moles in the lawn of my life, and help me deal with the devastation they leave behind before it is too late, and I am judged lacking because of them. Hear me this morning as I pray... “Father, forgive me for my sins; those I have committed knowingly, unknowingly, and by absentia... and Lord, open my eyes to those sins I commit without knowing, that I can obey your command to "go, and sin no more." Holy Spirit give me understanding and guide me in overcoming my shortcomings.”
“For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.”
Hebrews 12:11-13 ESV
Rich Forbes