Hide and seek

You can't hide your sin from God... so what can you do?

Everyone loves a good game of hide and seek. Pick the right spot and you can disappear the entire game. Some of the best games are with little ones who hide behind curtains, their tiny toes sticking out. They think you absolutely cannot see them.

When you choose to sin, it’s the same thing—hiding your sin from their friends and family, pretending that your actions don’t affect anyone at all. You may think your choices don’t hurt anyone, so what’s the big deal?

What is sin?

The dictionary definition: “transgression of the law of God; a faulty state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God.”

Although sin can refer to things that we do (like lying, being greedy, hurting people), it can also refer to the general state of our heart (caring more about ourselves than God and others).

Consider your actions before you make the decision to sin

Why should you stop and think when you know you’re about to make the wrong choice? Here are a few things reasons:

God knows what you’ve done, even when you have fooled everyone else.

Think you can pull one over on the Big Guy Upstairs? Here’s a verse that might make you think twice: Numbers 32:23 – “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the LORD; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.”

In short, you could be the reigning champion of sinful hide and seek and God will always see your sin.

There are consequences.

God forgives, but there are consequences each and every time you choose to sin.

You may not feel the wrath of a friend or parent after you lie, but it will catch up to you eventually.

Some consequences are short, like being grounded. Others are lifelong, like a broken relationship with a sibling or friend because you mistreated them or broke their trust.

God isn’t afraid to make a mess to get your attention after you sin.

The Bible is littered with stories of God’s justice. But read this: Hosea 8:7a – “They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.”

If you’ve ever watch a video of a tornado, it isn’t a gentle breeze. The winds pick up and demolish houses, ruin lives and even cause death. And although things can be replaced, nothing is ever the same.

When you feel the pull to sin

Sinning is a choice, just like going to the coffee shop and deciding which drink you want. Sometimes, your pick is easy and you just go for it. Other days, you hesitate.

When it pops into your mind to gossip about someone, you’d be better off not saying anything.

Tempted with making up a lie about the situation? It’s wiser to admit the truth and face the results than hide and end up in worse trouble, as your sins pile up one on top of the other. Ultimately, the lies you have to tell to cover the other lies will bite you.

Is it easy? Not when you’re used to making the wrong choice. But when it comes down to it, you have to change your own actions to reflect God’s commandments.

Can you be free from sin?

The quick and easy answer is “no.” However, that doesn’t give you a free excuse to blow off the Bible.

Romans 6:12 – “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.”

It’s simple to stretch the truth or slip in a word with your friends when your parents aren’t around. Or shoving your clothes under your bed and saying your room is clean. God never promised that your decision to turn from sin would be easy.

Trying to hide your sin from the Lord will only bring disaster, either right away or in the long run.

Some of you may be playing hide and seek with Jesus right now. And pretty soon, He’s going to say, “Ready or not, here I come.”