God Won’t Tell

God Won’t Tell

You may be sure that your sin will find you out.

Numbers 32:23

I remember that we went to visit some relatives when I was about five years old. While there, my cousin and I found my uncle’s cigarettes and decided to give them a try. We each took one, along with his lighter, went outside, and hid behind their Jeep in the driveway. Then we lit the cigarettes, took a drag, and nearly choked. They were horrible! And that was the last time I tried them. In fifty-eight years I have not wanted to relive that bitter taste.

I suppose everyone tries things that are tempting or interesting as they grow up. That’s just part of the maturing process. And we often hope we can hide those experiences from others. Sometimes it seems as if we have succeeded, at least for the moment. Other times our sins find us out quickly and with appropriate results.

My experience with the cigarettes is likely similar to that of other curious kids. It reminds me of a teacher of a sixth-grade class who was discussing with twelve-year-old John about John’s experience trying out cigarettes with two other boys the night before.

“Tell me what happened, John,” said the teacher.

“I got really sick on them,” said John.

The teacher asked, “What did you think of the whole experience?”

John replied with a grimace, “I won’t ever try it again, but don’t tell the principal.”

The teacher looked puzzled and said, “But God knows what you did. What’s the difference between God’s knowing and the principal’s knowing?”

John explained in a whisper, “God won’t tell my parents!”

Dear Father, forgive me for trying to hide my sins from you. I know you are fully aware of every mistake and act of sin in my life, whether I admit them to you or not. Help me to live my life fully aware of your presence. Amen.