I looked at PJ, my son… something was wrong, I could tell it… it was written all over his face! I asked him, “What’s wrong PJ? Tell me what’s wrong!”
Nothing’s wrong Daddy! Nothing’s wrong!” as he held his hand with his other hand.
“Let me look at your hand PJ!” I insisted, “Let me look at your hand!” And finally… reluctantly he let me look at his hand… A sliver and a deep one as well! “PJ, let Daddy take out that sliver!”
“No! No! No!” he cried as he yanked his hand away! There was no way he was going to let me touch that hand!
I warned him, “Son, if I don’t take out that sliver, it will become infected and very painful! Now is the time to take out the sliver… it will be better if I do!” But He wouldn’t let me touch it…
His dad was right…
Thought of that episode in the experience of parenting (an episode many parents – and children – remember vividly and identify with) as I read this verse as part of my Bible reading today…
“Whoever conceals his (or her) transgressions WILL NOT PROSPER! But he who confesses (i.e. acknowledges) and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)
It’s painful to acknowledge your failure and sin! It’s embarrassing! Feeling shame is no fun… but neither is what happens when you fail to deal with sin in your life! Take it from me… It doesn’t get any better… In fact, things get worse! You try to hide it, you refuse to acknowledge it… and guilt piles up… deceptive techniques become a way of life… and instead of going away, sinful practices multiply and spin out of control!
Why not acknowledge it to the Heavenly Father, accept his forgiveness, and seek the help of fellow “recovering sinners” who will accept you, love you, support you and hold you accountable?
Here’s a wonderful promise… “If we confess (i.e. acknowledge) our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness!” (1 John 1:9) How do I know? I’ve had to do that on more than one occasion!
Coffee With The Lord 